Reflections
Child Online Safety gƒ ›†
By Fawzia Ali-Kimanthi
Technology has removed boundaries and allowed people to connect with people, with markets and opportunities. However, technology has also come with challenges especially to parenting. Children are connecting with technology much earlier for learning purposes as well as entertainment.
While this has great advantages as it equalizes all children whether in developed or in developing nations, they are now targets for inappropriate ads and cyber bullying, among others. Have you, as an adult, been served an ad that you thought was inappropriate? I am certain you have. I remember playing a word game and the ad at the bottom of the screen displayed inappropriate content. Imagine if this was a child who was playing a game, and this happened?
A recent survey by the Ministry of Digital Development and Information( Singapore, 2025) ranked various concerns in digital parenting. The top concerns are exposure to inappropriate content( 81 %), interaction with strangers online( 57 %), cyber bullying( 54 %) and screen addiction or overuse( 51 %). All caring parents want to protect their children and loved ones. Hence on this particular column we focus on how we can raise our understanding of online safety and how we can be proactive in providing care for our children who are online. I believe this will be useful for parents, guardians, teachers and any responsible citizen.
What is Child Online Safety?
Child online safety refers to protecting children from risks and harm when they use the internet and digital platforms. It covers:
• Exposure to harmful content
( e. g., violence, pornography, misinformation).
• Cyberbullying and harassment( abuse from peers or strangers).
• Online predators( grooming, exploitation, trafficking).
• Privacy risks( sharing personal data that can be misused).
• Digital well-being( screen addiction, mental health effects).
These concerns are universal hence why creating awareness on child online safety is so critical. It’ s about ensuring children can use technology to learn, connect, and play safely and responsibly.
Why should we all be at the forefront of protecting children?
Firstly, children are now using devices |
and social media at a very early age. |
They are vulnerable. They innocently |
engage and lack the maturity to recognize |
manipulation, |
scams, |
or |
dangerous |
behavior online. |
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Secondly, harmful online experiences can cause trauma, affect self-esteem, and influence lifelong mental health. The emotional well-being of children is consistently high on parents’ worry lists.
Thirdly, children have a right to be protected. Under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, children have a right to protection, safety and education. Parents, teachers, tech companies, governments, and communities all play a role. If we do not act, children bear the consequences. Today’ s children are tomorrow’ s workforce and leaders. Keeping them safe online helps nurture a
healthier society.
How Teachers and Parents Can Educate and Empower Children on Online Safety
Role of Parents
Parents are the first line of defense. Beyond rules, they must model safe digital behavior and build trust with their children. Here are some practical steps for parents:
Start early: Introduce online safety conversations as soon as a child begins using devices.
Model behavior: Show responsible online habits- limit oversharing, avoid suspicious links, and use polite digital language.
Set boundaries: Agree on screen time limits, appropriate apps, and“ tech-free” family times.
Use teachable moments: If a scam email or fake giveaway appears, explain why it’ s dangerous.
Co-browse and co-play: Spend time with children online, exploring safe sites and games together.
Encourage openness: Assure children they can report uncomfortable online experiences without fear of punishment.
Privacy awareness: Teach kids never to share passwords, school details, or private images. There is a recent TikTok challenge called my body is tea. While most of those participating are adults, young girls have joined the challenge for likes and comments some of which are quite negative. Having conversations about what is appropriate and what is not
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