5 Easy Ways to Make Your Home Internet Safer Today

Simple, Everyday Tips to Create a Safer Online Space for Your Child

Today’s kids are growing up in a world where screens are everywhere—and so is the

internet. Whether they’re watching shows, playing games, or chatting with friends, children are spending more time online than ever before.

While the internet can be a wonderful source of fun and learning, it also comes with real risks. That’s why creating a safe online environment at home is more important than ever.

The good news? You don’t need to be a tech expert to make a big difference. Here are five simple steps you can take right now to help keep your child safe online.

1. Turn On Parental Controls

Most devices and apps have built-in tools that let you filter out inappropriate content, block certain websites, or control which apps can be downloaded. These tools are often free and easy to set up.

Places to check for parental control settings:

• YouTube / YouTube Kids

• Netflix, Disney+, Hulu

• Tablets and smartphones

• Gaming consoles like Xbox, PlayStation, or Nintendo Switch

Parental controls give you peace of mind—and help your child avoid content that’s not age-appropriate.

2. Use Kid-Friendly Browsers & Apps

Some platforms are built specifically with children in mind. These apps and websites offer safer browsing experiences and have better filtering in place to block harmful content.

Kid-safe options include:

• YouTube Kids

• PBS Kids

• Google SafeSearch

Setting these as your child’s “go-to” apps makes it easier to guide them toward safer, more positive online experiences.

3. Create Device-Free Zones

It’s easy for kids to get wrapped up in what’s happening on their screens—especially when they’re using devices in private spaces.

Designating areas like bedrooms and bathrooms as screen-free zones encourages more supervision and helps keep online activity out in the open.

Try keeping tablets, phones, and computers in shared family spaces so you can casually check in on what your child is doing.

4. Set Clear Time Limits

More screen time often means more chances for risky content to slip through. That’s why setting time limits is just as important as setting content filters.

Many devices have built-in tools that make this easy:

• Apple Screen Time (iPhones and iPads)

• Google Family Link (Android devices)

• Amazon FreeTime (for Kindle Fire and Alexa-enabled devices)

You can also agree on daily screen time expectations as a family and build them into your daily routine.

5. Post Family Internet Rules

Sometimes, a visual reminder is all it takes to reinforce healthy habits. Create a short list of internet safety rules with your child and post them near the computer or tablet.

Some examples:

• Only talk to people you know in real life

• Ask before downloading new apps

Never share personal information online

Small Steps, Big Impact

Keeping your child safe online doesn’t require complicated tools or strict restrictions. With a few simple changes and regular conversations, you can help your child develop healthy digital habits—and explore the internet with more confidence and safety.

Stay tuned next week for more tips during Internet Safety Month here at Precision ABA!

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