Teaching Online Safety: Step-by-Step Strategies That Work
- Brigid McCormick
- Aug 19
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 28
How to Help Your Child Build Safer Online Habits—One Skill at a Time
In today’s digital world, kids are online for everything—from learning and entertainment to games and chatting with friends. And while the internet can be a fantastic resource, it also comes with risks that kids may not be prepared to handle on their own.
As parents and caregivers, our job isn’t just to set rules—it’s to teach our children how to recognize online risks and make safer choices.
The good news? You don’t need to be a tech expert. By breaking down skills into simple steps and using clear, hands-on strategies, you can help your child build the tools they need to stay safe online.
1. Break It Down: Teach One Step at a Time
Telling your child “Don’t talk to strangers online” may sound simple, but it’s often too vague for them to apply in the moment. Instead, break down each safety skill into small, easy-to-follow steps.
For example:
What to do if a stranger sends a message online
Recognize the person is a stranger
Don’t respond
Close the app or browser
Tell a trusted adult
Step-by-step instructions help kids know exactly what to do when something doesn’t feel right online.
2. Use Visual Supports
Visual tools help many children remember and apply what they’ve learned—especially when it comes to safety rules.
Try using:
Cue cards with phrases like “Stop,” “Close the App,” or “Tell an Adult”
Posters or simple checklists near your child’s device
Social stories or illustrated guides that walk through common online safety situations
The more concrete and visual you can make a concept, the easier it is for your child to understand and recall it.
3. Practice with Role-Play or Videos
Kids learn best through real-life practice. Instead of waiting for a risky situation to happen, simulate one and walk through it together.
Try this:
Role-Play — Pretend a pop-up appears or a stranger sends a message. Ask your child to show you what they’d do.
Video Modeling — Watch a kid-friendly video about online safety, then pause and talk about what went wrong and what should happen next.
These practice moments make learning more memorable—and they help your child feel more confident when faced with real situations.
4. Reinforce Safe Behavior
When your child makes a smart online decision, don’t let it go unnoticed. Positive reinforcement encourages them to keep making safe choices.
Be specific with your praise:
“Great job closing the app and telling me about that weird message.”
“I’m proud of you for asking before downloading that new game.”
Recognizing safe behavior helps turn it into a habit.
The Bottom Line
Online safety isn’t about scaring kids—it’s about teaching them the tools to navigate the digital world with confidence. By using everyday strategies like step-by-step teaching, visuals, role-play, and praise, you can give your child the skills they need to make smart, safe choices online.
Stay tuned for more tips next week during Internet Safety Month here at Precision ABA!
Download the Free Safe vs. Unsafe Online Behavior Sorting Activity
👉 [Get the Free Activity] – a printable tool to help kids spot online red flags, practice decision-making, and build safer internet habits.
Teaching online safety is easier when you have a plan.
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