6 ways to help keep your loved ones safe online

The internet gives children and teens space to learn, play, create and connect, but it also brings risks they can’t always manage on their own.

At the same time, many adults – including parents, carers, educators or colleagues – may feel overwhelmed by the pace at which new apps, AI technology and other online challenges develop.

This can make it hard to know how best to guide, support and help those we love online.

Safer Internet Day¹, which takes place in February every year, was developed to encourage all of us to stay informed and make space for open, honest conversations about online experiences.

This year’s theme is ‘Smart tech, safe choices – exploring the safe and responsible use of AI’, which highlights the role we all play in shaping how younger generations engage with technology.

When children and older Australians develop skills such as recognising misinformation, spotting deepfakes, and identifying healthy digital spaces, this helps protect their personal information and establishes a foundation for them to use technology safely and effectively.

When adults stay curious instead of fearful, young people are more likely to ask questions and speak up when something doesn’t feel right.

Below are some practical tips to help you help those you love build confidence and navigate the internet safely:

Websites, images, articles and even video may look real, but it’s important to understand that they may not be. Teach others to:

• pause before reacting or sharing content.
• consider if what you’re viewing could be AI‑generated content.
• encourage critical thinking by questioning sources and verifying information.

Just because you’re asked for your personal details, doesn’t mean you should provide them. Always consider if it’s worthwhile or safe to do so, and protect your accounts by:

• reinforcing the importance of keeping private details private, even in games, social platforms or group chats.
• using strong passphrases to protect accounts and personal information
• enabling multi-factor authentication (MFA) on all accounts including email, financial, government, corporate and social media. MFA adds a second layer of protection to your accounts by using two or more pieces of information to verify your identity: such as something you know (like a password) and something you have (like a phone or token).

Help children and teens identify safe, positive online spaces by identifying ‘green flags’ that signal they’re in a respectful environment.

This helps young users choose spaces where they feel safe - and recognise when it’s time to step away.

Green flags may include:

• clear privacy settings.
• active moderation.
• respectful communities.
• trusted adults or support channels.

At the heart of many issues young people and adults may face online is the feeling that people can ‘get away’ with a different standard of behaviour in digital environments. It’s important to:

• demonstrate respectful communication and healthy digital behaviour.
• reinforce that words matter and can have long‑lasting effects online.

Speaking openly about online environments is one of the most important habits to build. Help uncover any issues sooner by:

• creating an environment where questions and concerns are welcomed without judgement.
• normalising asking for help when something feels uncomfortable or confusing.
• reminding your loved ones that speaking up is a strength.

Take an interest in the apps, games and AI tools that your children enjoy. Explore safety and privacy settings together and keep conversations ongoing as technology evolves.

Keep in mind that online safety isn’t about fear – it’s about empowerment. By staying informed and engaged, we can help create a safer and kinder digital world for all of us.