Recent events have served as a sobering reminder of how vulnerable children can be, even in places we assume are safe. While we rightly demand accountability and higher standards of care in physical spaces, these concerns must also sharpen our focus on a less visible, yet pervasive, environment where children spend their time: the digital world.
The scale of the online threat is staggering. This isn't a niche problem; it's a mainstream crisis. Research from Australia's eSafety Commissioner shows a significant majority of Australian children have been exposed to harmful online content, including extreme violence and hate speech [1]. Furthermore, in just one recent financial year, the AFP-led Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation (ACCCE) received tens of thousands of reports of online child abuse, a figure that has risen dramatically [2]. The trust we place in a caregiver is mirrored in the trust we place in a tablet or a smartphone, yet the dangers lurking behind the screen are statistically immense. It’s time to extend our vigilance to these digital domains and empower ourselves to protect our children.
of children aged 8-12
have used a social media or messaging service, often below platform age limits.
Source: eSafety Commissioner, 2024
young Australians (8-17)
report being victims of cyberbullying.
Source: eSafety Commissioner
of children aged 10-17
have been exposed to harmful content online in their lifetime.
Source: eSafety Commissioner, 2025
While the dangers are real, parents are not powerless. Your involvement is the single most effective tool in keeping your children safe. The focus should be on building resilience and open communication, backed by practical, technical safeguards. Here is what you can do to help protect your children.
Foster Open and Honest Conversations
The foundation of online safety is conversation. Create an environment where your child feels they can tell you anything without fear of judgment or having their devices taken away.
- Start Early and Talk Often: Discuss online safety in age-appropriate ways, just as you would talk about road safety. For younger children, this might be about not clicking on pop-ups or talking to strangers in games. For teens, it can involve more nuanced discussions about digital reputation, online relationships, and pressures.
- Be Curious, Not Accusatory: Ask about the games they play, the apps they use, and who they talk to online. Show genuine interest. Instead of asking "What are you hiding?", try "That game looks fun, can you show me how it works?"
- Develop a Family Plan: Work with your child to create a family tech plan that outlines rules everyone can agree on. This could include screen-time limits, device-free zones (like the dinner table or bedrooms), and rules about sharing personal information.
Utilise the Tools at Your Disposal
Technology used as an effective compliment to communication can help you to manage what your children see and do online.
- Activate Parental Controls: Most operating systems (Windows, macOS, iOS, Android), web browsers, and streaming services have built-in parental controls. These can be used to filter inappropriate content, block specific apps or websites, and set time limits.
- Implement Network-Wide Filtering: For a broader safety net, consider controls at your home network level. This provides a safety net that protects every device on your home Wi-Fi, including gaming consoles and smart TVs that don't support traditional parental control software. This also captures any new or missed devices and can be easily adapted as your children mature. It also thoughtfully extends protection to visiting friends, nieces, and nephews, ensuring a safer digital environment for every child who walks through your door.
- Review Privacy Settings: Sit with your child and review the privacy and security settings on their favourite apps and social media platforms. Ensure their accounts are set to private, and discuss what information is and isn’t safe to share online. Teach them to be cautious about who they accept as a "friend" or "follower."
- Use Safe Search: Enable "SafeSearch" on Google and other search engines, and "Restricted Mode" on YouTube. While not foolproof, these filters can significantly reduce the chances of stumbling upon explicit or harmful content. Again, network-wide filtering can force this setting on all connected devices.
Know the Red Flags and How to Respond
Understanding the signs of online distress can help you intervene early. Be alert to changes in your child’s behaviour, such as:
- Becoming secretive or defensive about their device use.
- A sudden loss of interest in friends or activities they once enjoyed.
- Appearing anxious, withdrawn, or depressed after being online.
- An unusual increase or decrease in their time online.
- Using new or different language they may have picked up online.
If you notice these signs, approach the conversation with calm and support. Reassure them that you are there to help them and that they are not in trouble.
Protecting our children in the 21st century requires a dual focus—on their safety in both the physical and digital worlds. While we cannot watch over their shoulder every second, we can equip them with the knowledge, resilience, and critical thinking skills to navigate the online world safely. By staying engaged, using the available tools, and fostering open communication, we can empower our children to reap the benefits of the digital age while minimising its risks.
For comprehensive guides, reporting tools, and further advice, please check out our comprehensive list of online resources.
References
[1] Office of the eSafety Commissioner. (2025, June 27). Snapshot: How common is exposure to content associated with harm among children in Australia? Retrieved from eSafety.gov.au.
[2] Australian Federal Police. (2024, September 2). Reports of child exploitation to AFP-led ACCCE increase 45% in past financial year. Media Release. Retrieved from afp.gov.au.