2 weeks ago
10 ways parents can keep children safe online
Children today spend a lot of time online, playing games, chatting, and learning.
The internet is fun and helpful, but it can also have dangers like bullies, scams, and bad content.
Parents can help keep kids safe by talking to them openly about what they do online.
It's important to ask kids about the apps they use and the people they talk to, just like asking about their school day.
Parents should set clear rules about screen time and keep devices in shared family spaces.
Kids should learn to keep personal information private, like their address and passwords.
Parents should teach kids to think carefully about what they see online and not believe everything.
If a child seems upset or secretive about their devices, parents should talk kindly instead of punishing.
Using parental control apps can help, but nothing replaces a caring, involved parent.
The goal is to prepare children to use the internet safely and confidently.
Sandeep Kumar, founder of the COP (Child Online Protection) App, and clinical psychologist Shilpi Saraswat of Sakra World Hospital, Bengaluru, offer practical digital safety advice for parents.
Experts recommend open, judgment-free conversations with children about their apps, content, and online interactions.
Parents are advised to establish healthy digital boundaries, keep technology visible in shared spaces, and teach privacy as a life skill.
Building digital literacy—teaching children to question, verify, and think critically—is highlighted as more valuable than mere restrictions.
Behavioral changes like secrecy, disrupted sleep, or withdrawal from family should prompt conversation rather than punishment, and parental control tools should complement, not replace, active parenting.
- Who
- Sandeep Kumar, founder of the COP (Child Online Protection) App, and Shilpi Saraswat, Clinical Psychologist at Sakra World Hospital, Bengaluru.
- What
- Ten practical ways parents can help keep children safe in the digital world.
- Where
- India (experts based in Bengaluru; article from indianexpress.com).
- When
- Not specified in the articles.
- Why
- Because children face online risks such as cyberbullying, scams, misinformation, inappropriate content, and privacy risks.
Parental Control Tools
Trust and Communication
Role of technology in parenting
Parental Control Tools
Parental control tools can help manage screen time, filter content, and provide visibility into online activity.
Trust and Communication
Technology is most effective when it complements trust, communication, and active parental involvement, not when it replaces them; no app can replace an involved parent.
Key facts
- Primary Expert
- Sandeep Kumar, Founder, COP (Child Online Protection) App
- Secondary Expert
- Shilpi Saraswat, Clinical Psychologist, Sakra World Hospital, Bengaluru
- Number of Tips
- 10
- Key Risks Addressed
- Cyberbullying, scams, misinformation, inappropriate content, privacy risks
- Core Advice
- Open communication, healthy boundaries, digital literacy, parental involvement
- Source
- indianexpress.com
Quotes
Sandeep Kumar
Founder of COP (Child Online Protection) App
“"Children are more likely to seek help when online challenges arise if conversations about their digital lives are open, regular, and free from judgment."”
indianexpress.com
“"Boundaries are most effective when they are explained, agreed upon, and consistently followed."”
indianexpress.com











