In today’s digital age, it’s nearly impossible to escape the influence of the Internet, whether you’re a parent or a kid. Conversations among parents often revolve around technology, screen time, and the latest online trends. We share our worries about when to give our children their first phone, discuss screen time limits, and compare notes on video game ratings. Amid these discussions, a persistent concern lingers: am I doing enough to protect my kids online?
February 6 marks Safer Internet Day, a global initiative urging everyone to contribute to creating a safer online environment, particularly for younger users. Recently, I spoke with the team at Facebook—a platform many families use—to gain insights into internet safety.
“While Safer Internet Day is a dedicated moment to reflect on online safety, at Facebook, we prioritize this every day,” said Laura Thompson, the Global Head of Safety for Facebook. A mother and former educator, Thompson has engaged with countless families to help them navigate the benefits of the Internet while ensuring the safety of their children.
When it comes to protecting kids online, Thompson emphasized that parents should trust their instincts. A recent Facebook survey revealed that 77% of parents feel they are best equipped to determine the appropriate age and amount of online activity for their children.
Thompson likened online safety discussions to teaching children to look both ways before crossing the street. “It’s essential to have conversations about online safety as soon as possible. When children are younger, it’s easier to establish guidelines regarding technology usage than it is during their teenage years,” she stated.
Being a positive role model in internet usage is crucial as well, even if it’s challenging. “When my child first got a phone, we agreed as a family to set it down an hour before bedtime,” Thompson shared. “It wasn’t easy, but it helped us create family norms around responsible internet habits.”
As a parent, I share concerns about both the addictive nature of technology and the risk of cyberbullying. Fortunately, many tech companies, including Facebook, are committed to addressing these issues. For instance, Facebook features a Bullying Prevention Hub within its Safety Center, providing resources for parents, teens, and educators.
Parents should also take a few moments to review the privacy settings on their children’s devices. On Facebook, you can adjust privacy settings to public, friends only, or create custom groups. Facebook even has a privacy check-up feature that prompts users to regularly ensure their settings are current.
Parental controls are available to limit access to certain content as well, but maintaining internet safety requires more than simply ticking boxes. Thompson recommends that parents engage with their children about new apps they download. “Whenever my child installed a new app, I made it a point to ask her to demonstrate how it worked. We discussed what she liked about it, which allowed us to review the safety measures in place.”
Ultimately, Thompson wants parents to know that Facebook is listening. After interacting with thousands of parents, they launched Messenger Kids, an app that allows children to message friends and family in a controlled environment. Unlike the standard Facebook platform, which requires users to be at least 13, parents manage the app and can ensure the content is age-appropriate.
In offering advice to fellow parents, Thompson stressed the importance of early discussions around online safety. “It’s never too early to start these conversations,” she affirmed.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to chat with my child about the apps he downloaded recently.
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Summary:
In an increasingly digital world, parents are rightfully concerned about their children’s online safety. Engaging in conversations early about responsible internet use, setting clear guidelines, and being good role models are essential steps in protecting kids online. Facebook has resources available to assist parents, including privacy settings and educational hubs for bullying prevention.
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