Back to School: Smart Tips to Keep Kids Safe Online

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As the school year ramps up so, too, does the amount of time students will spend online. Increased digital engagement can present new challenges. Here’s things to consider as you  kick off the year with safe, confident online habits.

1. Learn Your School’s Platforms and Policies

Become familiar with the digital tools and learning platforms your school uses—and how kids submit work or join virtual classes. This helps you guide them better and detect anything fishy. Likewise, review your school’s online-safety policies or designated point of contact for concerns.

Check out helpful tips and strategies from Bark.

2. Set Clear Rules & Screen-Time Routines

Work with your child to set boundaries: “After homework, you get X minutes to use apps we’ve agreed on.” Encourage online time in common areas to stay in sight. Scholastic.com has some great advice on this.

Some families opt to create a more formalized “family media agreement” with shared expectations that can reinforce consistency. Tom’s Guide can get you started on that.

3. Update Security and Privacy Settings

Ensure all school-issued or personal devices have up-to-date antivirus and security software and enable automatic updates. A VPN can give you an added measure of security.

Check and adjust privacy settings on apps especially on new devices or browsers. For example, Mozilla recommends reviewing privacy preferences and protecting browsing data this time of year.

4. Use Parental Controls Thoughtfully

Select parental control tools or safe-search engines to block inappropriate content and limit app access but pair them with conversations, not substitutes. Here’s a good checklist to get you started.

Watch Advanced Controls, powered by Plume®, is a new product that offers robust parental controls as well as protecting devices from high-risk websites, unwanted ads and cyber threats.  In addition, the application lets you manage and adapt your broadband internet to prioritize apps or locations within the household. Learn more by calling our team of Internet Specialists at 1-800-589-3837, Option 1. 

Remember: some parental control tools may introduce their own privacy or security vulnerabilities so choose trusted tools wisely and do your research!

5. Talk Openly About Online Risks

Discuss common threats—cyberbullying, phishing, inappropriate content, and oversharing. Encourage your child to come forward if something online makes them uncomfortable. The Center for Missing and Exploited Children has some excellent advice.

Use simple, everyday language to help your kids understand in an age-appropriate manner the importance of online safety: “Just like we lock our doors, we protect personal info online so we don’t share our full name or address.”

6. Build Digital Wellness Routines

Digital habits impact wellbeing, especially sleep. Experts recommend removing blue-light devices (like phones or tablets) at least two hours before bedtime and keeping bedtime consistent.

Encourage balanced use—homework, hobbies, and screen time—so tech supports, not disrupts, wellbeing.

7. Use Trusted Resources for Support

Explore high-quality guides like:

• The Bark Blog: Offers age-specific safety guides to help you stay updated on online risks and tools.

• MissingKids’ NetSmartz: Includes videos, tip sheets, and activities to help families understand online safety risks.

This school year is an opportunity to guide your child toward safe and responsible digital behavior. With well-defined rules, open communication, updated tools, and quality resources, your family can confidently navigate the digital school year together.