Child Protection Week may be over, but protecting children doesn’t stop when the week ends. Today, one of the most important areas where children need safeguarding is the digital world.
Apps like Roblox, TikTok, and Snapchat are hugely popular with children and teenagers. They can be fun, social, and creative, but they also carry risks — from exposure to harmful content, to unwanted contact with strangers, to pressures around self-image and privacy.

The good news is that parents and carers don’t need to be tech experts to make a difference. By building trust, learning the basics of the platforms, and setting boundaries together, you can make your child’s online experience safer and more positive.

1. Keep the Conversation Going
The most powerful online safety tool is communication. Children who feel they can talk openly about their online experiences are more likely to share problems before they become serious.
Start by asking questions that show genuine interest, such as:
•    “What’s your favourite app or game right now?”
•    “Who do you enjoy connecting with online?”
•    “Have you ever seen something that made you feel uncomfortable?”
The aim isn’t to interrogate, but to open a two-way dialogue. Keep these conversations casual and regular — not just when you’re worried. If children only associate online safety talks with punishment, they may hide things from you.
Show curiosity rather than judgement. If your child tells you about a mistake they made online, try to respond calmly. Reassure them that you’re there to help, not punish. This builds trust, which is the foundation of digital safety.

2. Understand the Apps They Use
You don’t need to master every new trend, but you should understand the basics of the platforms your child spends time on. Explore their favourite apps together. Ask them to show you what they enjoy and why. This not only keeps you informed, it also shows them you’re engaged in their world.
Here are some simple steps you can take:
•    Adjust privacy settings. Make sure only friends can contact your child, not strangers.
•    Use parental controls. Many apps and devices allow you to set limits or restrict certain content.
•    Learn how to block and report. Show your child where these tools are and encourage them to use them.
•    Stay aware of risks. For example, Roblox has been in the spotlight for cases of strangers contacting children during games. Knowing these issues helps you stay proactive.
By learning the apps, you shift from being an outsider to being a guide. Instead of telling children what not to do, you can help them understand how to enjoy online spaces safely.

3. Set Healthy Boundaries Together
Rules are most effective when children feel included in making them. Instead of imposing restrictions, work together to agree on boundaries. This creates shared responsibility rather than a power struggle.
Consider discussing:
•    Screen time limits. Decide on daily or weekly limits that feel fair and achievable.
•    Device use in shared spaces. Keeping phones and computers in communal areas can reduce risks.
•    Balancing online and offline life. Encourage activities like sport, family time, or outdoor play to complement screen use.
When children are part of the decision-making, they are more likely to follow the rules and less likely to hide their online behaviour.

Signs of Digital Distress
Even with safeguards in place, children can still run into challenges. Watch for signs that your child may be struggling with something online, such as:
•    Becoming unusually secretive about their phone or computer use
•    Sudden changes in mood after being online
•    Avoiding conversations about certain apps or friends
•    Withdrawing from offline activities they once enjoyed
These behaviours don’t always mean something harmful has happened, but they are cues to start a gentle conversation.

What to Do if Something Goes Wrong
If your child experiences cyberbullying, unwanted contact, or exposure to harmful content:
1.    Stay calm. Reacting with anger may make them less likely to share in the future.
2.    Listen first. Let them explain what happened in their own words.
3.    Save evidence. Keep screenshots of harmful messages or content.
4.    Block and report. Use in-app tools to stop contact and alert the platform.
5.    Seek support. Talk to their school, a child protection service, or an online safety organisation for guidance.

Building Trust and Resilience
Digital safety isn’t about surveillance or control. It’s about partnership. Children who know they can talk openly are more resilient and better able to handle challenges. By combining trust, knowledge of apps, and shared boundaries, you equip them with skills that will last a lifetime.
Technology is here to stay. By guiding your child with patience and openness, you make their online world not only safer, but also more empowering.