From toddlers with tablets to grandparents on Facebook, digital life is part of everyday family life. But without a shared approach to safety, it’s easy to fall into risky habits — oversharing, weak passwords, or falling for scams.
A Family Digital Safety Plan helps everyone — adults, kids, and teens — understand the rules, responsibilities, and tools that keep them safe online. And it’s never too early (or too late) to start one.
Why It Matters?
Children are curious, but often unaware of online risks
Teens are independent online, but vulnerable to peer pressure and scams
Parents may struggle to keep up with new platforms
Grandparents may not be aware of social engineering threats
Having a shared plan promotes:
Better awareness of privacy and online threats
Trust and communication
Safer device use
Healthier screen time habits
What to Include in Your Family Safety Plan
🔒 1. Rules for Sharing Personal Information
- No full names, addresses, schools, or birthdays on public profiles
- Use privacy settings on all apps and social platforms
- Discuss why oversharing can lead to phishing or identity theft
🧭 2. Screen Time Boundaries
- Set age-appropriate daily limits
- Create “tech-free” zones or hours (e.g. during meals, bedtime)
- Use tools like:
🗣️ 3. Open Communication Policy
- Encourage kids to talk to you about strange messages or experiences
- Don’t shame — listen and guide
- Explain that online mistakes can be fixed when reported early
🔐 4. Account and Password Guidelines
- Use strong, unique passwords (stored in a shared password manager like Bitwarden)
- Enable 2FA on key accounts (email, social media, gaming)
- Share rules for logging in only from trusted devices
🧒 5. Parental Controls and Filters
- Use built-in parental controls to manage content access
- Monitor app downloads and in-app purchases
- Consider filtered browsers for younger children (e.g. Kiddle, Safe Search Kids)
🎯 6. What to Do If Something Goes Wrong
Know how to report content on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, etc.
Create a step-by-step response plan (e.g., “If you get a strange message: 1. Don’t respond. 2. Tell a parent. 3. Block/report.”)
How to Start the Conversation
Have a family “digital talk” night – involve kids in the rules
Use real examples (e.g. “What would you do if…?”)
Explain that the plan is about safety, not spying or control
Revisit the plan regularly as kids grow or new apps appear
Further Reading and Resources
Internet Matters – Family Online Safety Plans