Shieldlet Foundation · Published 3 October 2026 · Introductory education
Start with a conversation
Ask your child to show you something they enjoy online. Listen before discussing risks. Make it clear they can tell you about an upsetting interaction without being blamed.
Make a simple family plan
- Agree when and where devices are used, with time for sleep and offline activities.
- Review privacy settings together and limit sharing of identifying details.
- Choose an adult your child can approach if you are unavailable.
Try this together
Imagine a game asks for a school name to unlock a prize. Ask: “Does the game need that information? Who could see it? Who can help us check?” Practise pausing rather than submitting details.
Are parental controls enough?
Controls can help, especially for younger children, but they do not replace conversation and adult support. Adapt your approach as your child grows.
Further reading: UNICEF’s guide to keeping children safe online.
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