How to keep children safe online?

Talk to your children regularly about what they do online, who they interact with, and what makes them uncomfortable. Frame it as an ongoing dialogue, not a lecture. Ask open-ended questions: "What is your favorite thing to do online?" and "Has anyone ever said something online that made you feel…

Every major platform has parental controls. Apple Screen Time and Google Family Link let you set time limits, filter content, approve app downloads, and see activity reports. Enable these before handing a device to a child.

Set up a DNS filter like CleanBrowsing (free) or OpenDNS Family Shield (free) on your home router. This blocks adult content, malware, and phishing sites across every device on your network — including smart TVs, tablets, and gaming consoles — without installing software on each device.

Dedicated apps like Bark ($14/mo) or Qustodio ($5/mo) go beyond basic screen time limits. Bark monitors texts, social media, and email for signs of cyberbullying, depression, or predatory contact and alerts parents. Qustodio provides detailed activity reports and location tracking.

Create a written agreement that everyone in the family signs. Include rules about where devices can be used (common areas, not bedrooms at night), when screens must be put away (meals, homework time), and what to do when something concerning happens online.