Internet safety tips for parents
Internet safety
- Tips for parents
- Tips for teens
- What is `sexting`?
- Sextortion
- Misuse of the Internet - Consequences and the law
Using digital devices to connect with friends and family and using social media tools is a big part of your teen’s life. It’s important for you as a parent to be aware of your teen’s digital life, and to work with him/her on setting boundaries, acting responsibly, and staying safe online.
Be open about online behaviour
- Place computers in busy family areas like the kitchen
- Work with your child on how to behave safely online from a young age
- Teach your teen that anything they post online can be public, and it takes effort to make it private
- Talk casually to your teen about their online activity, so the topic becomes a regular part of your conversations
Monitor activities regularly
- Search your teen’s name using popular search engines, blogs, and social network platforms to see what comes up on their public record
Unplug
- Encourage teens to take breaks from devices once in a while
- Establish a family recharging station and keep devices out of bedrooms at night
Mobile applications
- It is important to recognize that some apps may not be suitable for children. Apps also have the potential to be used by adult offenders to take advantage of our young people. Online exploitation by predators often starts through apps or games that have messaging, chat or webcam features. Read: Five questions parents can ask to keep kids safe.
Safety messages to share with your teen
What happens online can have real consequences
- Cyberbullying: Serious online harassment is an offence and can result in criminal charges
- Sexting: Sending sexual messages, images or videos can lead to serious consequences. Address any sexual videos/photos posted online immediately
- Criminal Code Offences apply to youth should they use the Internet in a negative way. (Child Pornography, Criminal Harassment, Luring a Child, Uttering Threats)
Treat online life like regular life
- Don’t say anything online that you wouldn’t say to someone’s face
- Create, post, and share videos, images and content responsibly
- Monitor your online reputation carefully—it is public and will follow you for life
Protect your privacy online
- Avoid oversharing (revealing inappropriate details/images about your life)
- Keep personal information private (e.g. your name, age, social insurance number, address, etc.)
- Check and adjust privacy settings regularly
For more info or to get help
Centre for Youth Crime Prevention
- Resources and tools such as
Ask an Expert
. Wondering about an issue that’s affecting youth in your community, ask your question to a police officer.
- Provides a broad range of information for parents and youth to help them stay safe in the cyber world.
- Provides information to youth who have been impacted by a sexual picture/video being shared online, by email or by text.
Need to report something?
Go to www.cybertip.ca or contact your local RCMP.
- Date modified: