The digital age has transformed childhood, offering endless opportunities for learning and connection. However, it has also introduced risks that require parents to be more vigilant than ever. With 82% of children aged 8–12 having unsupervised access to smart devices in their bedrooms, as reported by CyberSafeKids, the need for proactive parenting in the digital space is undeniable.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Unrestricted access to the internet exposes children to a range of dangers—from harmful content to online predators. Alarmingly, only 35% of children say their parents monitor their online activities, according to CyberSafeKids’ latest survey. This lack of oversight increases the likelihood of children encountering inappropriate material or falling victim to scams.
Cyberbullying remains another significant concern. A recent WHO/Europe study revealed that 15% of adolescents have experienced cyberbullying, with rates climbing steadily since 2018. These incidents often lead to emotional distress, and in some cases, even severe mental health issues.
The disconnect between parents and children regarding online safety is stark. CyberSafeKids’ Chief Executive, Alex Cooney, highlights this issue: “We urgently need to provide better support to parents so they feel more confident about engaging with their children about their online activity”. Open communication is key. Parents should create a safe space for kids to share their online experiences without fear of judgment or punishment.
The video below is great to watch with your kids, even from a young age on.
Initiatives like Safer Internet Day 2025 are making strides in equipping children with critical thinking skills to navigate the online world responsibly. This year’s theme, “Too Good to Be True? Protecting Yourself and Others from Scams Online”, emphasizes teaching kids how to identify scams and misinformation. Programs like these not only educate children but also encourage parental involvement in fostering a safer digital environment.
While parents play a pivotal role, the responsibility for online safety extends beyond the home. Big Tech companies must prioritize creating safer platforms for young users. However, as Alex Cooney aptly states, “It’s not all on parents… Big Tech needs to be compelled to create safer online spaces for children too”.
By staying informed about emerging threats like deepfake scams and evolving cyberbullying tactics, parents can better guide their children through the complexities of the digital world. Together—with education, communication, and systemic changes—we can ensure that today’s digital playground is a safe space for all kids.
We hope it helps,
The Smart Parenting Blog team
Parenting tips Thank you for reading this post, don’t forget to subscribe! The digital age has transformed childhood, offering endless opportunities for learning and connection.
Lying is a behavior that can puzzle and concern parents, but it’s important to recognize that it often serves specific developmental or emotional purposes. Research indicates that the reasons behind lying differ significantly between young children and teenagers, reflecting their cognitive and emotional growth.
Parenting tips Thank you for reading this post, don’t forget to subscribe! As parents, we’ve all been there – the nightly battle to get our
