How To Teach Your Kids Device Safety: A Free Resource for Parents.
Kids want their own connected devices at younger and younger ages. Do you know how to prepare kids for online access?
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For more and more families, the question is when should kids get a phone, not “if.” This decision comes with a lot of responsibility and accountability for youth and parents alike. There are some kid safe phones in the market, but adults shouldn’t solely rely on hardware and software to protect young people.
As you look for a safe first phone for kids, you should also have a plan to prepare kids for online access. Do you know how to talk about grooming? Do you know how to protect a child from online predators? These are important considerations before you give young people full access to their own device.
- 4 in 10 minors said they have been approached online by someone they believe was attempting “to befriend and manipulate” them.
- Nearly 2 in 3 (65%) minors said they have experienced an online-only contact to invite them “to move from a public chat into a private conversation on a different platform.”
- More than 1 in 3 minors reported having an online sexual interaction.
- 1 in 5 minors agree that it is normal for people their age to share a nude image or video of themselves with each other.
Caregivers can teach kids about device safety. We’ve put together a helpful guide that covers how to approach online access for children, understanding privacy settings, and what conversations to have with kids before they get a phone or tablet. This free, expert-backed guide provides practical advice on how to:
✅ Understand privacy settings on popular platforms
✅ Teach your child to recognize inappropriate messages and behaviors
✅ Have candid, productive conversations with kids about their device usage
✅ Set screen time limits and monitor online usage
This is a ready-to-use resource for parents with children who want their own device. The guide includes easy-to-follow discussion scripts to help you start these critical conversations.
What you'll learn inside
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What to teach kids before giving them a phone, and how to prepare for conversations around kids getting a device
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Talking to your child: Step-by-step scripts and conversation starters about services, online activities, and digital safety
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Working with your child: Advice and talking points to partner with your child to set up expectations for screen time, online monitoring, and an environment of trust and safety
🎯 This guide is designed for parents and supportive adults who want to empower their children to be safe in a digital world.
— Rachel R., Licensed Clinical Social Worker
FAQ
Q: Is this guide really free?
Yes! This resource is 100% free to help parents and caregivers navigate digital safety conversations.
Q: Who created this guide?
Thorn, a nonprofit dedicated to protecting children from sexual exploitation in the digital age, developed this guide with child safety experts.
Q: Will this help if my child already has a phone?
Yes, this guide includes discussion prompts and resources for families with young people who already have their own devices.
