Keeping children safe online does not need technical expertise. It needs regular conversation, a few sensible settings and knowing where to look when something goes wrong. This page brings together our guidance for parents and carers.
Start with the main risks
- AI safety for children: chatbots, AI companions, deepfakes and what to talk about at home.
- Cyberbullying: how to recognise it, what to say, and when to involve the school.
- Online grooming prevention: the warning signs and how groomers build trust.
- Addiction, anxiety and social media: what the research says about screen use and mental health.
- Online gaming: chat, spending, and setting up controls on games and consoles. In Vietnam, see also the gaming time limits under Decree 147.
Five habits that make the biggest difference
- Talk little and often. Ask what they enjoy online, not just what worries you. Children who talk about the good parts are more likely to tell you about the bad.
- Agree rules together. Decide as a family where devices are used, when they go away at night, and which apps are allowed. Write it down and review it as children get older.
- Use the controls you already have. Phones, consoles, broadband routers and most apps have parental settings. Set them up with your child so they understand why.
- Keep devices out of bedrooms overnight. This one change protects sleep and removes the time when many risky contacts happen.
- Make it safe to tell you. If your child reports something, stay calm and avoid taking devices away as a punishment. Children who fear losing their phone stop telling adults.
Screen-free time
Reducing screen time works best when there is something good to replace it with. Our article on screen-free activities backed by science has practical ideas for young children.
If something goes wrong
- Save evidence: take screenshots of messages, usernames and profiles before blocking or deleting anything.
- Report it on the platform where it happened, using the in-app reporting tools.
- Tell your child’s school, especially if other students are involved.
- In Vietnam, call the National Child Protection Hotline on 111 (free, 24 hours) for advice on any concern about a child.
- If a child is in immediate danger, or an adult has asked them for images or to meet, contact the police.
For more links to trusted organisations and tools, see our online safeguarding resources directory. If your school or parent group would like a workshop, contact us.