As summer comes to an end, many parents assume screentime will decrease as children head back into the classroom. The reality is, whether a child spends five minutes or five hours online – time isn’t the issue. The problem lies in what our children don’t know about cyberbullying, sextortion and other online dangers.
Children are growing up in a world that is more connected than any previous generation has known. They’re texting friends, exploring new apps, watching videos, and building entire social lives online, often before adults fully understand the platforms they’re using. For parents, teachers, and school counselors, that gap can feel overwhelming.
But here’s the good news: you don’t need to be a tech expert to make a real difference. What children need most is an informed, Safe Adult in their corner. With the right tools and a few key conversations, you can help them navigate the digital world safely and confidently.
Understanding the Stakes
The numbers are hard to ignore. With 1 in 4 young people reporting that they have received a commercial sexual solicitation online, digital spaces like social media platforms, gaming apps, and messaging tools have created new avenues for cyberbullying, online exploitation, and other dangers that didn’t exist a generation ago.
That said, fear isn’t the goal here. Education is. Research consistently shows that children who receive clear, age-appropriate information about online safety are better equipped to recognize warning signs, make smart decisions, and speak up when something doesn’t feel right.
Start the Conversation Early—and Keep It Going
One of the most effective things any adult can do is simply talk to children about their digital lives. Not as an interrogation, but as genuine curiosity.
Ask open-ended questions that invite dialogue: “What’s your favorite app right now? Who do you usually talk to on it?” or “Has anything online ever made you feel weird or uncomfortable?” These kinds of questions signal that you’re a safe person to come to and that no topic is off limits.
Consistency matters too. A single conversation won’t cut it. Make digital check-ins a regular part of your relationship with the children in your life, the same way you might ask about school or friendships.
Set Clear, Reasonable Boundaries
Children thrive with structure, and the digital world is no different. Work with children to establish clear guidelines around screen time, which apps are appropriate, and critically what personal information should never be shared online. Full name, home address, school name, and phone number should always stay private. And equally as important, photo sharing.
It also helps to explain the why behind the rules. Children are far more likely to follow boundaries they understand. When they know that predators sometimes use fake profiles, or that a screenshot can travel far beyond its original recipient, they’re better positioned to make careful choices.
Spot Red Flags: Unsafe or Inappropriate Behavior
Educate children on identifying red flags, which include requests for photo sharing, pressure tactics, demands to keep interactions hidden, or attempts to transition to more private platforms.
Don’t forget to discuss scams and manipulation. As children get older, talk about phishing, fake accounts, impersonation, giveaways, and other tactics designed to get personal information or money.
You can start the conversation with questions such as:
- What would you do if someone online asked you to keep a conversation a secret from me?
- What would you do if someone you met online asked you for a photo you didn’t want to send?
- How can you tell if someone online might not be who they say they are?
Empower Children to Speak Up
Children often stay silent about uncomfortable online experiences because they’re afraid of losing access to their devices, or worry they’ll get in trouble. Make it crystal clear: coming to you will never result in punishment. Your response to their honesty matters enormously.
Encourage children to trust their instincts. If something online makes them feel scared, confused, or uneasy, that feeling is worth paying attention to and worth telling a Safe Adult about. You can start the conversation by asking, “If you made a mistake online, would you feel comfortable telling me? What could I do to make that easier?”
“We want children to know that if something online makes them uncomfortable, confused, pressured, or unsafe, they should speak up. Whether it’s an inappropriate message, unwanted contact, or behavior that crosses a boundary, they can always turn to a Safe Adult for help. Speaking up isn’t getting someone in trouble—it’s an important step toward keeping themselves and others safe.”
You can reinforce the conversation with something simple and reassuring:
“If someone online ever makes you feel uncomfortable, pressured, scared, or confused, I want you to tell me. You won’t be in trouble for speaking up. My job is to help keep you safe.”
It’s helpful to ask these questions regularly and naturally, rather than waiting for a problem to occur. As children grow and their online activities change, the conversations should grow with them.
How MBF’s Curriculum Puts This Into Practice
The Monique Burr Foundation for Children has spent years developing evidence-based programs that equip both children and the adults in their lives with the knowledge and skills to prevent, recognize, and respond to digital dangers. Our programs, including MBF Child Safety Matters® for elementary school students and MBF Teen Safety Matters® for middle and high schoolers, address cyberbullying, online exploitation, and digital safety in age-appropriate, research-backed ways.
What sets MBF’s approach apart is that it doesn’t just educate children. It also empowers educators, counselors, and parents with practical frameworks for ongoing conversations about safety. The curriculum meets children where they are, using language and scenarios that reflect their real digital experiences.
Take the Next Step
Protecting children online is not a one-time task. It’s an ongoing commitment. And you don’t have to figure it out alone.
Visit www.MBFPreventionEducation.org to learn how to bring MBF’s evidence-based prevention programs to your school or organization. Because every child deserves to feel safe online and off.
