Your child says, “I’m hungry,” and you grab them a snack. They say “I’m bored,” and you find a way to entertain them. But when should the butler treatment end? When is it time to teach your child how to be self-sufficient and let them do things for themselves?

Believe it or not—now is as good a time as any! Your two-year-old can help you do the laundry; your 6-year-old can brush her teeth; and your 10-year-old can hang out alone at home while you walk the dog. And, no matter how desperately they cry, “Watch me!” young kids don’t always need you right there next to them (being just nearby is just fine).

“What you’re really trying to do is get the child to learn how to make decisions and take control over the things they can have control over,” said Dr. Michael Ungar, director of the Resilience Research Center and the author of We Generation: Raising Socially Responsible Kids. “What you really want is a child who can make a contribution to their family, who can navigate their community, who can problem solve.”

We created an age-by-age guide that ranges from letting your toddler help with household chores to giving your tween tech time to help you figure out the right time to give your kids that much-needed independence. Here’s what the experts say.

Things Kids Can Do: Ages 0 to 2

Don’t worry: You won’t need to start nudging your one-year-old out of the nest. According to Los Angeles child psychiatrist Patrick Kelly, it’s the opposite: the stronger the attachment between parents and their babies, the more comfortable those kids will be doing things independently as they grow. That said, there are a few “big kid” things your tiny tot can start learning at this age:

Feeding and Dressing Themselves – According to Los Angeles pediatrician Amin Davari, simple things like allowing older infants to feed themselves age-appropriate foods and letting young children dress themselves give kids “minor struggles and successes” that help them learn how to be self-sufficient and build skills and confidence.

Swim Lessons – The AAP recently changed its guidelines to say that kids should start swimming lessons at age one. Although swim lessons will never make a child “drown proof,” lessons between the ages of one to four years have been shown to reduce drowning risk, according to the AAP.

Sign Language – Just because your baby can’t talk doesn’t mean she’s not trying to tell you something. Advocates say teaching babies and toddlers basic signs (things like “eat,” “more” and “milk”) can increase confidence in both the kids and their caregivers, helping little ones who can’t yet speak get their needs met. Taking a class can mean a fun social outing for Mom or Dad—though you can also learn from home.

Things Kids Can Do: Ages 2 to 4

chores are a good way to teach toddlers how to be self-sufficient
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At this age, kids are ready—and willing!—to take on some responsibility around the house. You’ll know the time is right when you see them start pretending to do grown-up things, like playing “family” or play-driving the car when they’re in the push car. Take advantage of this need now by giving them:

Simple Household Chores – Give them a broom or a dustpan, and let them help you sweep the kitchen floor. You’d be surprised how willingly kids this age will want to help you clean. If you’re lucky, the habit will continue into their later years. Other simple household chores suitable for two-to three-year-olds, according to The Montessori Notebook are:

    • Help pack their backpack
    • Brushing/feeding the dog (just let it go when they make a mess!)
    • Helping make the bed (at four, kids should be able to at least pull up a duvet by themselves)
    • Placing clothing in the laundry and pushing the buttons you point to

Solo Playtime – As long as you’ve created a safe space to play, at this age most kids are generally past the swallowing-small-objects phase and can happily play by themselves for 30 to 45 minutes at a time. If your child is reluctant to play alone, just agree to be nearby, but set up toys with which they can play solo.

“Reading” Time – Your child doesn’t need to know how to read to get lost in a world of books. Give kids a stack of picture books and let them have at it. If they want to hear stories read out loud—but you still want them to be on their own—we love the Yoto player, a simple speaker designed for kids ages three and up that allows kids to insert small cards to read popular stories aloud.

Pick What they Wear – Something as simple as choosing their clothes can make a child feel incredibly independent, says Dr. Ungar. “Three-year-olds can’t negotiate their bedtimes, but they can decide to wear green pajamas or blue pajamas. The trick seems to be to find these ways that the child can make a genuine contribution.”

Use a Balance Bike – Kids may not be ready for a two-wheeler at age two… but a balance bike is an easy go-to! “Once a child can confidently walk around the house, they can start walking with a balance bike between their legs,” says Schwinn spokesperson Ryan Berkicht. “This could be as soon as 18 months old for some kids.”

Things Kids Can Do: Ages 4 to 6

Gross motor skills are advancing quickly at this age, too, so your kids should be ready for fun things like climbing on a play structure (without you constantly spotting), and using the “big kid swing” all by themselves. And while these may seem like ordinary childhood milestones, all of these accomplishments help them learn how to be self-sufficient and instill huge amounts of confidence. So cheer your kids on as they:

Brush Their Teeth: While most dentists advise that you keep assisting with their pearly whites until age 7, your kids should know how to brush their teeth all on their teeth by age 5 or 6—with you nearby to make sure there’s actual brushing going on (as opposed to just holding the electric toothbrush in their mouths while the motor revs). A good compromise is to let your kids do the morning brush and you can brush their teeth in the evening.

Use a Microwave with Supervision – Not only does using the microwave buttons help reinforce number recognition, but it also makes kids feel like real big kids. Teach your kids what can and can’t go in the microwave, and let them push the buttons and press “start” all on their own.

Ride a Two-Wheeler – Sure, some kids are ready for a two-wheeler at three years old—and some five-year-olds want nothing to do with a bike—but experts say age 5 or 6 is a good target age for getting a kid on her first two-wheeler. If they’ve been riding a balance bike or a bike with training wheels, they should be able to transition easily.

Have Drop-Off Play Dates – According to the AAP, kids around ages 5 and 6 are developmentally ready to be dropped off for play dates. Got a child who’s nervous about it? It might help to have the playdates at your house, where you can step away—but not out.

Day Camp – Since this is the age when kids start preschool or kindergarten, they’re also usually ready for day camp at this age, too. If your kids don’t seem uber-enthusiastic about camp, try to keep the camp schedule similar to their school schedule (if your child attends a half-day school, for instance, start with a half-day camp).

Things Kids Can Do: Ages 6 to 8

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By this age, kids have started kindergarten and are usually happy to do anything that makes them feel grown-up and competent. So watch them closely for opportunities to teach them how to be self-sufficient—while also keeping them safe (for instance, let them ride a bike up and down your street, but make them wear a helmet). Here are some things kids are ready to do by this age:

Help You Prepare Dinner – According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, children ages 6 to 8 are ready to:

  • Use a peeler to peel raw potatoes, ginger, mangoes, and other washed fruits and vegetables
  • Break eggs into a bowl (and remember to wash hands afterward)
  • Scoop out avocados after being sliced in half by an adult
  • Snap green beans
  • Shuck corn and rinse before cooking
  • Rinse and cut parsley or green onions with clean, blunt kitchen scissors

Take a Bath By Themselves – According to this article in the National Library of Medicine, most children can take a bath by themselves (i.e., without you sitting by the tub) by age 6. We recommend parents still stay within earshot and keep baths short enough that kids don’t get tired or rowdy in the bathtub by themselves.

Tie Their Shoes (with you supervising) – By age 6 or 7, most kids have the fine motor skills to attempt this surprisingly complex set of movements, according to Carolina Therapy Connection. You’ll know your child is ready to tie their shoes when they’re able to easily cut paper with scissors, string beads, or button and unbutton buttons.

Use a Computer to Browse the Internet – Experts recommend supervising children’s internet use at this age: If you’re not able to be there watching, you can use a filtering device like the Circle, which lets you dictate what apps and websites kids can and can’t visit online (as well as setting up bedtimes and screen time limits); or try a web filtering program like Microsoft Edge Kids Mode, which keeps your kids from seeing anything inappropriate online and lets you customize their web experience (it also prevents them from exiting the kid-safe browser to explore other apps on the computer).

Things Kids Can Do: Ages 8 to 10

Older kids are ready for adventure! Now’s the time to loosen the reins and let them chart their course a little bit. By this age, your child might be ready to:

Have a Sleepover – Around this age, they may be ready—as long as they can sleep through the night, no problem. That said, before you send your kids to another person’s home for the night, they must understand body boundaries and inappropriate touching. “I do think it’s a great time to start teaching kids about appropriate touches and that we’re the boss of our bodies and we’re the boss of our private parts,” writes child abuse prevention expert Pattie Fitzgerald. She also urged parents to talk to the host parents so they’ll know exactly who will be supervising and whether there will be older kids (such as teenage-aged siblings) or extended family in the home. The answer to these questions may well alter your decision to say “yes,” as parents should have a strong baseline of trust with the hosts.

Note: Some experts believe children (and their parents!) aren’t ready for sleepovers until the age of 10 and up.

Go to Overnight Camp – As long as your child can shower, doesn’t wet the bed, and has shown no problems spending the night at friends’ or relatives’ homes, they’re probably ready for sleepaway camp. While many overnight camps offer programs for kids as young as six or seven, the American Camp Association gives age nine as the target age for kids to start the summer camp journey. Some camps offer one-week “starter” programs for reluctant or nervous campers.

Walk to School by Themselves (Under Certain Conditions) – The AAP says elementary school-aged kids can walk to school by themselves, provided the walk is short, the neighborhood is safe, and there are school crossing guards stationed at any intersections. If there are non-guarded streets or you live in a city, waiting until age 12 is better.

Things Kids Can Do: Ages 10 and Up

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Tweens are all about breaking free and taking risks. Your job is to let them experiment with autonomy while still making sure they’ve got set limits to keep them safe. By age 10, kids can:

Be Left At Home for a Short Time – The laws vary on this, with some states like Oregon and Tennessee giving home-alone privileges to 10-year-olds and states like Colorado and Delaware saying 12 is a better age to start this. This Washington Post article gives state-by-state guidelines on the regulations, but it’s a good idea to check with your state’s Family or Child Services Department to be sure.

In any case, before you leave your kids home alone—even for a short time—it’s important that they know what to do in case of emergency and what your expectations are should unexpected things happen (like someone knocking on the door or a friend stopping by unannounced). The Department of Health and Human Services recommends that parents ask themselves these questions before leaving kids alone:

  • Is your child physically and mentally able to care for him or herself? ƒ
  • Does your child obey rules and make good decisions? ƒ
  • How does your child respond to unfamiliar or stressful situations? ƒ
  • Does your child feel comfortable or fearful about being home alone?

If you’re leaving for more than an hour, it’s best to wait to take your children. And experts say it’s not a good idea to let kids this age babysit younger children while no parents are home.

For more advice and tips, see this handout from the DHH.

Ride a Bike to School – It’s hard to find any specific laws about kids riding bikes to school, but the American Academy of Pediatrics says that by late elementary school, most kids can safely do this, provided the route is short and the roads safe. Before your child starts riding to school, make sure you practice the route with them (several times!) and go over what to do if unexpected things arise, such as a fall or a flat tire. If it makes you feel better, have your child wear a GPS watch or other tracking device to alert you when she gets to school safely.

Of course, you should always make sure your kids wear a good-fitting helmet and try to enlist a friend to ride along, to ensure both kids get there safely.

Related: 10 Tracking Devices Perfect for Families

Things Kids Can Do: Ages 12 and Up

This is it. The bridge to the young adult years. Kids in this final stretch to the teens are longing to break free, so the trick is to let them feel independent and learn how to be self-sufficient while encouraging them to make responsible choices. Here are some things they’re ready to do now:

Have Their Own Cell Phone – While many argue that cell phones should wait until high school, middle schoolers can have a phone, provided it is monitored and filtered by the parents. Before you give your child a phone, have them sign a technology agreement that lays out the rules—for instance, no cell phones should be allowed in your child’s room overnight, and your child should know that you will read and monitor her messages. To keep your kids off inappropriate or dangerous apps and sites, use apps and programs like Screentime (for iPhones), Circle, or Securly.

Babysit Younger Children – There are no real legal restrictions for babysitting (except in states that have laws on when kids can be left alone), but the Red Cross doesn’t allow kids to take its babysitting course until age 11. By 12, kids should be able to babysit with a grown-up present in the house (or for short times when a grown-up leaves the house); by 14, they can usually babysit younger children on their own. When it comes to an older sibling watching the younger kids in the house, parents need to ask themselves whether their oldest is mature enough and responsible enough to handle the task. If there are any doubts, skip it.

Be Dropped Off in a Public Place with Friends – As long as your child agrees to stay with the group and you’ve talked about uncomfortable situations (if a stranger talks to them or if other kids are experimenting with drugs or alcohol), most experts agree that by middle school—or around age 13—kids can be dropped off at public place (like a movie theater or mall) for a few hours as long as they are in a group and you are leaving them in a safe location. This depends, of course, on your child’s level of maturity, your city’s crime rate, and whether you trust them to make good decisions.

Note: Check with your state laws before letting your teen go to certain places solo: Some states, such as Minnesota and Delaware, do not permit children under 16 to be in certain malls without adult supervision, according to this article.  

 

Sharenting may have long-term effects on kids long after the pictures are posted

In 2023, most children have a digital footprint before they are even born. While sharing images online can be a way to show your child’s milestones with distant relatives and friends, especially in light of the pandemic and travel plans being halted, there’s a difference between sharing and oversharing. The “Sharenting” (parents oversharing on social media) trend is still on the rise but many parents are starting to reconsider where and how often they share images of their kids online.

So, what should you think about before posting pics of your kiddos on social media? Experts have weighed in on everything from personal privacy to online safety; keep reading to find out what they had to say.

Click here to save this list on Pinterest.

Think Twice Before Posting Embarrassing Photos

While you might think your toddler having a tantrum or your tween misbehaving is so hilarious that you have to share it on social media, putting anything online leaves a permanent trail that will follow your kids for the rest of their lives. "Not only is this kind of oversharing disrespectful to your child, but you should also consider how these types of images or videos will be perceived by others, and the impact it could have on your kid when he/she is older," says parenting expert and author of Peaceful Parent, Happy Kids, Dr. Laura Markham. If it's on the internet, as well as the possibility of humiliating them later in life, there's a chance it could be seen by school bullies, college admissions officers, and future employers. Next time, ask yourself how you would feel if it was you in the photo instead.

Consider the Message You Are Giving Your Kids

As parents, we are constantly telling our kids about the risks of using social media and teaching them about online safety. But, we then ignore our own advice when posting photos of them. "It's our job to teach and model online literacy and safety," says Dr. Markham. "When children grow up routinely seeing photos of themselves online, they think it's the norm. We're inadvertently teaching them that they have no privacy and no control over their online image."

Related: “Sharenting” Could Have Damaging Effects on Your Kids

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Be Mindful of Giving Away Personal Information

According to a UK study by Parent Zone and Nominet, the average parents share almost 1,500 photos of their kids online before their 5th birthday. Many parents announce the birth of their babies all over social media, while some go one step further and hashtag their kids' names or even set up Instagram accounts for their little darlings before they can even talk. While it's kinda cute, all someone needs is a name, date of birth, and address, which they can get using a geotagged photo, and this can put youngsters at risk of identity theft and digital kidnapping: when someone uses photos and details of someone else's kids and pretends they are their own. According to a national internet safety expert, Katie Greer, if your kids are searchable, anyone can find out anything about them. "To maximize the online safety of your child, limit the information you share about them," she says.

Avoid Posting Photos of Your Kids in the Nude

That photo of your little angels in the bath, running around the yard in the nude, or even in their underwear might be adorable to you, but once you post it, you no longer have control over it, and anyone can do what they want with it. "There is a chance this kind of photo could end up in unintended hands. Even using seemingly harmless hashtags like #pottytraining or #bathtime can also attract the attention of the wrong people," says Katie Greer. "Your kids' online safety is paramount, so to keep things simple, keep their clothes on."

when it comes to "sharenting" be careful not to share your location
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Be Wary of Revealing Locations and Routines

It's surprisingly easy to track people using the information you can get from photos posted online. To protect your kids from potentially being discovered by child predators, Justin Lavelle, a leading expert on online safety and scam prevention and Chief Communications Officer with beenverified.com recommends turning off geotagging and location services and never posting details about where you live, including your address. "Avoid tagging the locations of places you and/or your children may be at frequently and crop out backgrounds with recognizable landmarks. First day of school? Take a picture at home with them in their new backpack, not in front of the school building with the name clearly visible," he says. "Do not advertise their routines and wait a few days before posting photos of birthday trips or visits to the park."

Get Permission to Post

While some might argue that parents have every right to post family photos, kids don't ask for such public childhoods. While babies and toddlers generally have no say in what mom or dad posts, tweens, teens, and even younger kids often feel their parents share too much about them online without their consent. Take Gwyneth Paltrow's daughter, Apple, who, after seeing that her mother had posted a selfie of the two of them without her permission, reportedly called her out in the comments. "While you might think it's your right to post what you want on social media when you ask kids, many don't want photos of them to be put online," says Dr. Laura Markham. "Our children have a right to decide what is posted about them and deserve not to have their privacy violated by us. It's important to get their approval first."

Related: New Study Sheds Light On Sharenting

mom of newborn should know the danger of sharenting
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Beware of the Backlash

When you're posting photos of your kids online, especially in the public domain for all to see, it's important to consider what the people who see the photos might think. They might not like it for all sorts of reasons and will be happy to tell you exactly how they feel. This can be very hurtful. There are many instances where people have been attacked for oversharing on social media. In 2019, Pink appeared on The Ellen Show and explained why she had stopped sharing photos of her kids after getting comments attacking her for posting a photo of one of her kids without a diaper. 

Pay Attention to Your Privacy Settings

If you're going to post photos on social media, then check your privacy settings regularly. According to the Child Rescue Coalition, 89 percent of parents haven't checked their privacy settings in over a year. Facebook, Instagram, and other social media apps all have different settings. Without realizing it, you may be sharing your photos with the general public, aka strangers. Also bear in mind that the friends and family you share your photos with may have different privacy settings, which means they could potentially share your photos too. "Public posting means anyone, anywhere can see it," says Lavelle. "Keep your posts private, set your profiles to private, and make sure your posts are only visible to a custom audience of friends and family."

rawpixel via Unsplash

Consider the Bigger Picture

No one knows what happens with all the photos once they have been posted on social media. Take Facebook (which also owns Instagram and Whatsapp), which has been all over the news recently due to data breaches and their handling of personal information. Do you want these big corporations to have access to all sorts of data on your kids that you inadvertently supply? "While it's wonderful that technology allows us to be connected with family and friends around the world using social media and other photo-sharing apps, there is so much we don’t know," says Lavelle. "It comes down to common sense, smart-decision making, and being careful what you post." 

Be Present in the Moment

When your child is performing in a show or playing in a match, of course, you want to capture every proud moment on camera so you can share it with family, friends (and maybe the whole world.) We've all done it. But your kids see you with your phone in front of your face instead of watching them, and you won't be able to focus on what they're doing. Next time, put your phone away, watch, and be proud. Your kiddos will love that they have your undivided attention, and you will be able to enjoy the experience much more.

Related: Dear Moms “Oversharing” On Social Media: I See You

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Consider Private Social Networks

As mainstream platforms like Facebook and Instagram come under fire, private social apps like the one we offer through TinyBeans are gaining ground for their privacy and security features. Our app offers parents a private space to share photos, milestones, and other moments with their children among family and friends in a private social network.

 

 

The Saturn app is exploding in popularity among high schoolers, but parents are raising the alarm about serious privacy issues for kids

The new school year is starting, and that means kids’ social calendars are exploding with orientations, sports events, and club meet-ups, among other things. But gone are the days of paper calendars and invites. Now, kids are flocking to alternatives like the Saturn app, which has seen huge growth after being marketed as a way for high schoolers to find their classmates, sync their schedules, and keep up with social events at their schools.

Saturn allows students to register with their school and graduation year, then see who is in all of their classes, post and view bulletins of school events, and exchange direct messages with other students. The app is billed as a “social calendar,” acting as a planner where students can keep up with school and social events, homework deadlines, and class schedules, but also chat with their friends. So while many are claiming it’s an app to replace paper planners, it’s really a form of social media.

But what’s worse is the Saturn app is facing scrutiny from parents who are concerned about the privacy features (or lack thereof) for the teens who download and use it. One dad, Chris Cullum, posted on Facebook about how he was able to create an account, posing as an eighth grader, and gain access to 350 kids’ class schedules and profile pictures. The app claims it verifies kids’ identities by requiring them to register with a school email address, but Cullum said he was able to easily circumvent that requirement by using his phone number and a fake graduation year. He was able to lie about who his teacher was to see any class roster (even accessing girls’ athletic team rosters) and view the location, date, time, and list of student attendees of an upcoming football game. Cullum even received friend requests (which he didn’t accept) from multiple students.

“The app indicates you would need to verify you are a student (using a school email) to see the schedules of the other students. But this is not exactly true. I was able to input a bogus schedule (choosing from a list of teachers the app provided) and see who was in any class. I was even able to see a girls athletic team roster. It then told me who all had joined my classes. And then, simply by changing the teachers on my own schedule, I was able to see who was in ANY class. So, it’s not unreasonable to think that a predator or intruder could compile a full schedule for any student in the app without ever having to fully log in,” Cullum wrote. “But the reality is, even if the app did require an official login, it’s still allowing anyone in the school to see my daughter’s schedule- a bully, a stalker, an unwanted admirer, a mean girl, etc.”

He continued, “But the app doesn’t stop there. Each student’s profile allows them to upload a photo, a description of themselves (which some did) and add links to their Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, Venmo, or any website they choose. I was able to click the student’s links and watch some reels right there in the Saturn app- thus gaining more information about them. There is also a Direct Message feature available for private discussions, which is unlocked once you verify yourself using a school email address. So, anyone who has logged in, can now DM your student. Taking this a step further, I realized I could change my profile name, even if it matched another student in the app. What would stop me from cyber-bullying using another student’s name?”

Protect Young Eyes, an organization that investigates internet safety for kids, also reviewed the Saturn app, and raised similar concerns. In testing the app, they were able to create an account and join a school, then post a message that was viewable by 800 students in that school—all without verifying anything about their identity. What’s worse is that they were also able to access a list of the names and ages of all the students at that school, along with links to many of their Snapchat accounts.

The bottom line? The Saturn app is a privacy nightmare, and unless the creators behind it make serious changes that require all users to verify their identities before they can join school groups and communicate with other students, no kid should be using this app.

Privacy is more important to parents than ever, regardless of their kids’ ages. For those who want to share special moments with friends and family without making it a public display, there’s the Tinybeans app (you can learn more and download here!). The secure platform puts parents in total control of who sees and interacts with photos and videos of their kids.

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, but some behaviors should be strictly forbidden

Whether at school or home, spending lots of time online has become an inescapable part of most kids’ daily lives. According to a study by Common Sense Media, children ages 8 to 12 spend an average of 5 hours and 33 minutes per day on screens, which include computers, smartphones, tablets, and gaming consoles. Meanwhile, a study by Pew Research found 98% of teens have access to a smartphone and the average teen spends 7 hours and 38 minutes per day on their phone.

While there are plenty of educational, social, and creative benefits to digital screen time, care must be taken to ensure that a child’s digital footprint and online activities are age appropriate and commensurate with their level of maturity and understanding.

The key to developing healthy online practices is having open and frequent conversations about safety and using the internet responsibly—and initiating these conversations early. “Start talking about online safety with your kids at a young age. Because it gets harder when they are in their teens and it becomes more difficult to get between them and their phones,” said Yaron Litwin, digital safety expert and Chief Marketing Officer at Canopy, an AI-powered smart filter that helps protect kids online.

Most experts and parents agree that children shouldn’t have unfettered internet access until at least age 10, but that’s often easier said than done, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Despite the challenges of monitoring your kid’s myriad online activities, some behaviors should be strictly forbidden. For a list of internet safety tips for kids, here are 10 things they should never do online, based on their ages.

Internet Safety Tips for Kids Ages 5 to 8

Don’t have social media profiles: Apps like TikTok and Snapchat may be irresistible to young kids because of the fun social media trends like dance challenges and viral music clips they see older kids creating and participating in, but public social media profiles can open up young children to inappropriate contact, harassment or targeting. The expert consensus is for kids to wait until the age of 14 or 15 to create public-facing social media accounts.

Don’t talk to strangers: This advice we often give our kids IRL applies doubly so online because of the dangers of catfishing, trolling, and spoofing. Children should never talk to strangers online, even if the stranger seems friendly. Let your child know in an age-appropriate manner that anyone online can pretend to be someone else, and that predators often target children because of their innocence and openness.

Don’t use the Internet without limits or supervision: Screen time has increased exponentially in recent years, especially for young children. Kids need to experience a healthy balance between online and offline activities, and parents can help by establishing clear limits on screen time as well as supervising young children’s online activities.

Related: 10 Reasons Why You Need to Teach Internet Safety to Your Kids

Internet Safety Tips for Kids Ages 8 to 12

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Don’t give or share any personal information: In an always-on, digitally connected world, privacy can be challenging to maintain. Children need to learn that personal information—whether it’s their own or family member’s personal information—needs to be held strictly confidential and not shared or given to anyone online. This includes full names, home addresses, phone numbers, school names or locations, passwords, etc. Personal information can be used by predators and criminals to track down children or to commit identity theft. Parents also may want to avoid posting identifiable images of their children online.

Don’t meet up with someone you met exclusively online: Whether it’s on gaming platforms like Roblox or Minecraft, or social messaging apps like WhatsApp, it’s not uncommon for children to develop friendships that are entirely virtual; however, even if your kid has been talking to someone online for a long time and they feel as if they know them well, it’s not safe for kids to meet up in person with online strangers on their own. There’s no way to know for sure who they really are or what their intentions might be.

Don’t cyberbully others: Cyberbullying is just as harmful as bullying in person; it can have a devastating impact on victims. Children should never bully others online, and they should report any cyberbullying they see to a trusted adult.

Related: What to Do When Your Kid Wants a Social Media Account

What to Teach Tweens and Teens About Using the Internet Responsibly

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Don’t click links or open attachments from people you don’t know: Unwanted spam that arrives via e-mail or text can be annoying, but trojan horses sent via links or attachments from unknown senders can contain malware and other bugs designed to infect your child’s computer or mobile device and steal personal information or worse. When it comes to stuff that comes from an unknown sender, kids should simply delete it.

Don’t download pirated music, movies, or games: While it may be tempting for your child to download “free” pirated materials from the internet, doing so is illegal and can lead to serious consequences. Copyright holders can pursue legal action, and penalties often are severe. Teach your child how to use legitimate sources to download and purchase movies, music, and games.

Don’t post inappropriate content: Older kids may think posting inappropriate content online is no big deal, but they should be taught never to post anything they wouldn’t want their family, friends, classmates, or teachers (not to mention future employers) to see online. This can include photos, videos, or texts that are sexual in nature, violent, or hateful. It’s useful to remind your tween and teen that everything on the internet is forever.

Internet Safety Tips for Everyone

Don’t believe everything you see or read online: Just because it’s on the internet doesn’t mean it’s true or even real. In our current time, when the digital ecosystem is rife with misinformation, children need to be taught to think critically about the information and materials they find online, and parents can help promote digital media literacy by helping our kids understand what are trusted and reliable sources of information and what’s not.

Related: 10 Cyberbullying Tactics Parents Might Not Know About

Saturday morning cartoons that Gen X-ers and millennials watched as children have been replaced with endless TikToks, memes, and FaceTime for kids today. Even more, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, teens of all ages have significantly increased their screen time, and it has never been more important to check in with your teens about their internet activities.

Today’s teens have grown up with a digital life, but that doesn’t mean they inherently know the risks of sharing the ins and outs of their day. As schooling tools shift online and students are accessing the internet more often than ever before, parents need to take steps to keep their teens safe online.

Since 45% of teens have stated, they’re online “almost constantly,” USDISH encourages you to check out the tips below to learn how to help your teens with online safety.

1. Talk about Digital Footprints

Digital footprint” is a term used to describe every action someone takes online. Your kids might assume that having a private social media profile keeps their posts, well, private, but that’s not always the case. It’s important for your teens to know that their private posts can still be screenshot and shared, and their digital footprint is never as confidential as they think it is. There are no do-overs after something has been posted!

2. Educate about Phishing Tactics

Phishing is a type of cyber scam in which a criminal convinces someone to give up private information by appearing to be a trustworthy source. For teens, this often looks like fake scholarship messages, DMs from someone posing as an influencer, or fraudulent employment offers. Remind your kids that if they receive messages about anything involving money or personal information, they should always verify the source.

3. Explain the Information That Should Stay Private

Posting a picture of your dog or birthday may seem innocuous, but cybercriminals can use this information to answer security questions and hack into accounts. Make sure your kids know the following information should stay out of posts, comments, and DMs:

  • Pet names

  • Parent maiden names

  • Full birthdate

  • Last names

  • Phone numbers

  • Email addresses

 

4. Teach That Word Choice Matters

59% of teens in America have experienced cyberbullying, and your teen should know how to identify and report bullying in the digital space. Additionally, teens need to be aware that words matter, and how they choose to treat other people online can follow them into adulthood.

While it’s unfortunate that so many teens have experienced bullying online, the good news is that the majority of teens find parents to be highly effective at addressing online harassment.

Check out USDish.com’s Essential Teen Internet Safety Guide for more tips and tricks on how to keep your teens safe—from social media to social studies. The internet might feel like the Wild West, but with a few extra precautions, your family can stay safe and happy online.

 

USDISH.com is one of the nation’s premier online DISH retailers. Our goals are to give you great deals on DISH satellite and internet services. 

Most schools have shut down in-person learning this year because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead of riding the bus with their friends and bonding with their teachers, students are learning to do everything online. It presents different benefits and challenges for each family, but it’s easy to forget that the internet can also present a threat to your child’s safety.

As your kids spend more time online and learn to use the internet in new ways, read about the importance of teaching internet safety to your kids in the time of COVID-19. With a few helpful tips, everyone can navigate the virtual world and avoid harming their physical or mental health.

1. They Have More Independence. Online classes used to be optional for older kids and teens who could easily use the internet on their own. Now even kindergarteners need to go online for school every day, which means they have more independence than they might be able to handle.

Although they may only listen to a lecture from their teacher or complete a homework assignment, don’t forget that monitoring your children is essential to their safety. While you work from home or go about your routine, always keep an eye on them so they don’t accidentally do something that could jeopardize their security.

2. They’ll See More Ads. Being online exposes kids to more ads. Businesses will target kids with specific ads because they track internet searches with cookies, so your children might see pictures of the latest toys or video games they recently looked up. It’s an opportunity to click on the ad and potentially give personal or financial information to get what they want. Look into installing an ad blocker and remind your family that ads aren’t always as friendly as they seem.

3. They Won’t Recognize Phishing Schemes. Young people may need to set up an email account to complete their virtual learning. If your child hasn’t had an email address before, they won’t recognize common phishing schemes that will appear in their inbox. Go over what phishing is and remind them that they can ask you for help if a new email seems suspicious to them.

4. They’ll Look for Help. Students of all ages will look for help on assignments or new concepts with a quick internet search during lessons or homework time. They might click on links in forums that take them to inappropriate sites. Parents can avoid this by monitoring their kids during school hours and pointing out which forums or websites aren’t trustworthy.

5. They’ll Learn About New Platforms. Schools will likely teach students about new platforms like chat rooms, programs, and social sites to connect more easily with their class. While these things can be beneficial, your child might think similar websites are safe too. Talk with your kids about the dangers of unapproved chat rooms and social media accounts so they understand the differences and avoid talking with users they don’t know.

6. They Might Post Pictures. Posting pictures to their virtual classroom for projects will likely be a new part of your kid’s routine. They may think it’s safe to post pictures elsewhere too, but doing so could expose their age or where you live. It makes them more likely to be victims of internet predators. Start a discussion about posting pictures on social media and other sites with your children who are too young to know that it can sometimes be dangerous.

7. They’ll Face Bullies. Bullying used to be something that made kids dread going to school, but now it follows them home too. Your kids will still face bullying online, which is why every parent should teach their children about cyberbullying and discuss ways to avoid or stop it.

Talk about how it presents itself in many forms, like mean comments on forums and deprecating jokes on video chat. They may not be able to recognize it until it’s too late to save them from the mental and emotional harm that bullying inflicts.

8. They’ll Download Content. Teachers will require their students to download homework documents, videos, and programs they’ll need to complete their work. Young children might think every link to downloadable content is safe because they clicked on similar links for school. It puts them at risk for downloading viruses or malware. Internet safety conversations should also include tips on how they can tell when something is safe to download and when it’s not.

9. They’ll Create Passwords. As your children spend more time online, they’ll need to create passwords for their school activities. Ensure that they never share their passwords with anyone or use the same password on different accounts.

Instead of hoping they remember their different usernames and passwords, keep track of digital accounts with safe programs designed to keep hackers out. They’ll safely store all the information and your kids can find their log-in credentials at any time.

10. They’ll Begin Researching. Instead of spending their study hall in the library, your kids will begin researching online for their projects and papers. They might unknowingly go to sites that aren’t reliable, either because they’re full of spam links or publicly edited information. Staying safe on the internet also means learning how to tell reliable resources from unreliable sites. 

Keep the Conversation Going

Teaching internet safety to your kids isn’t a one-time conversation. They’re likely to forget some of your points or get distracted while you talk. If they know they can always ask you questions, you can protect your family as everyone spends more time online during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Jennifer Landis is a mom, wife, freelance writer, and blogger. She enjoys long naps on the couch, sneaking spoonfuls of peanut butter when her kid's not looking, and binge watching Doctor Who while her kid's asleep.  She really does like her kid, though, she promises. Find her on Twitter @JenniferELandis.

Kids and teens have more access to the internet than ever before. Mobile devices have kids logging on without parental supervision. The internet experts at USDish.com, an authorized retailer of Dish Network, compiled the best online safety tips for parents and guardians.

teen on laptop/smartphone

According to the Pew Research Center’s 2018 report on Teens, Social Media & Technology, 95% of American teens ages 13 through 17 have a smartphone or have access to one. With so many social media platforms to choose from including Instagram, Snapchat, YouTube and TikTok it’s no surprise that about 90% of those surveyed say that they are online for a large part of the day. 

Add in worries about the risks of sharing on the internet and cyberbullying, teens have a lot on their plates when they venture online. By starting the conversation early you can empower your child with the tools they need to protect themselves online.

Share what you learn through this guide with your teen and teach them how to consume online entertainment safely and responsibly.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: Steinar Engeland on Unsplash

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We are constantly teaching our kids to make wise choices, from what to wear for the weather to how to play fairly with friends. In order to raise smart digital citizens, the very same motivation applies. If you’re wondering where to start, Google offers tools, resources, and tips to help parents teach kids about digital safety while giving them the autonomy to make smart online choices, too. Read on for five tips to live by before giving your child a phone or tablet.

Learn how Google’s Family Link app and Be Internet Awesome program can help your family make the most out of technology and build healthy digital habits!

 

1. Purchase a screen protector and a quality case beforehand.
Kids are rough on their toys, and the same will likely be true for the tablet or phone you are introducing to their free time. Find a durable case that can handle a few falls from the couch or the resilience required of traveling. Protective screens work in two ways as well, keeping the device intact while protecting your child’s eyes, skin and sleep rhythms from blue light.

2. Talk through rules, expectations and Internet safety.
We don’t give our kids a bike and simply say, Go for it! We provide gear to protect their bodies and the practice needed to ride all on their own. The same logic is true of a smart device. The Internet is full of useful information and knowledge as well as phishing, scams, cyberbullies, and more. As a family, learn about online safety in a fun and engaging way with Be Internet Awesome. The program will help your family learn how to communicate responsibly online, discern what’s real from what isn’t, safeguard personal information and when to turn to a trusted adult if something online doesn’t feel right or seem safe. Use the family guide and tips to help drive your conversations at home. With these digital fluency fundamentals, little techies can learn how to navigate the Internet in safe, smart and positive ways—a skill they will need throughout their schooling and development.

3. Point them to educational games and apps before giving them the device.
Kids won’t waste a minute exploring their tablet or the portals games and apps may open. Set them up for success by vetting several that you would be comfortable letting them play on their own. You can get started with Interland, Be Internet Awesome’s educational web game that makes learning about digital safety fun through play (teachers take note: additional free resources for educators are also available too!) In the game, fun characters lead you on adventures while imparting helpful knowledge about navigating the web. It’s a good one to play periodically as a family as well for a digital basics refresh. For additional guidance, we always love the ratings and age recommendation from our friends at Common Sense Media.

4. Get the Family Link app from Google to help your family learn responsible digital habits.
Let’s be clear: it’s almost impossible for you to control everything your kids do online (especially when they’re a certain age). Family Link provides tools for parents to kick start conversations about healthy digital habits. The parental controls app has a number of features to help families tailor the best online experience for their kids. What you can do: set daily screen limits or specific app limits, remotely approve or decline apps your kids want to download from the Google Play Store or approve in-app purchases, hide apps on your kid’s device, and block sites or only allow a curated set of sites to be visited. What you can’t do: read their text messages or see what they’re viewing.

5. Charge the device and set some limits before you give it to them.
Let the fun begin… and continue thanks to a fully charged device. Family Link’s functionality understands that limits are important, too. So it allows you to set bedtimes as well as a daily limit per day of the week. Once that set time expires, the device is locked (calling functionality will still work). And much like the parent’s handy sidekick, the timer, the pre-set limit—instead of mom or dad—ends the screen session and spares everyone a power struggle. Now that’s smart.

Have fun setting your child up for success online with a little help from Google!

— Jennifer Massoni Pardini

all photos courtesy of Google Kids & Families

Think your kids are too young for the world wide web? Studies show that kids are using devices at a younger age. So even if it’s just Baby Shark videos on repeat, if your kid has a device (or uses yours) to connect to the internet, you’ll want a way to do it safely.

The digital safety and well-being app, Qustodio, aims to do just that. Even though we know you take cautious measures to keep your kids safe and educated about the digital world, Qustodio is here to add that extra layer of protection by offering more features and a complete dashboard of data to give you true peace of mind. We tried it, and here’s how we’ve found it can help you protect your kids.

Learn more about Qustodio and download the app for free here

1. Problem: Once my son is on the screen it’s hard to pry him away.

Solution: Qustodio encourages parents to talk with their kids and agree on healthy time limits. With Qustodio you can easily limit your child’s screen time across all of their devices. You can set time limits for games and apps and even block apps you don’t want, as well as certain times of day you don’t want your kids accessing those apps.

2. Problem: I want to encourage smart tech use, but the internet is a vast and scary place with lots of inappropriate content for kids. How can I ensure my child is accessing appropriate content?

Solution: There’s a lot on the internet—both good and bad—curious kids can explore. Qustodio has smart filters that block inappropriate content, even in private or incognito mode. You can also search and monitor what your child is viewing for extra peace of mind.

3. Problem: My kids are spending too much time on social networks.

Solution: Qustodio allows you to limit how much time is spent on social networks like YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, WhatsApp and more.

4. Problem: I don’t know who my child is texting or calling.

Solution: Qustodio allows you to monitor calls and SMS on Android devices. You can view your child’s calls and texts, read SMS messages and set a list of blocked contacts.

5. Problem: I want to use the internet after lights-out, but I don’t want my child to have access.

Solution: Don’t shut off the internet for the whole house; parents deserve their downtime to chill and binge-watch Netflix or meet deadlines for work. Qustodio allows you to shut off the internet to specific devices, giving you full control of who is on the internet and when.

6. Problem: I want to give my child some independence but like most parents, I worry about her safety. Can I monitor where my child is without constantly texting or calling them?

Solution: Qustodio features Location Tracking and Panic Alerts. You can track your child’s location and in an emergency your child can send you Panic Alerts from Android devices.

Learn more about Qustodio and download the app for free here

—Amber Guetebier

photos: Qustodio