Parent Resources

10 Essential Online Safety Rules for Kids

1. Protect Your Personal Information – Don't share full name, address, phone number, or school name with strangers online.
2. Create Strong Passwords – Use unique passwords with letters, numbers, and symbols. Don't share passwords with anyone except parents.
3. Be Careful About Photos – Think twice before posting pictures or videos. Once online, they can be copied and shared.
4. Meet Safely – Never meet someone from the internet in person without a trusted adult.
5. Tell an Adult – If something online makes you uncomfortable, scared, or confused, tell a parent, teacher, or trusted adult immediately.
6. Recognize Scams – Be suspicious of messages offering free stuff, asking for personal info, or pressuring you to act fast.
7. Check Before You Click – Links and attachments can contain viruses or malware. Be cautious about what you click.
8. Balance Screen Time – Set healthy tech habits with breaks away from screens for sleep, exercise, and face-to-face time.
9. Be Kind Online – Treat others with respect. Don't participate in cyberbullying or spreading rumors.
10. Ask Before Using Apps – Get permission from a parent before downloading apps or creating accounts on new platforms.

How to Start the Conversation

Approach it naturally and positively. Rather than just warning about danger, frame technology as exciting and valuable while establishing healthy boundaries.

Conversation Starters:

• "What's your favorite app or website? Why do you like it?"
• "Have you ever seen something online that worried you or didn't seem right?"
• "Who do you talk to online? What do you talk about?"
• "What would you do if someone asked for your personal information online?"
• "Have you ever seen someone being mean to others online? What should you do if that happens?"

Listen More Than You Lecture

• Ask open-ended questions and really listen to their answers.
• Avoid immediate judgment or punishment for questions they ask.
• Share your own experiences with technology to build trust.
• Explain the "why" behind safety rules, not just the rules themselves.
• Make it a regular conversation, not a one-time talk.

Device & Content Controls

• Parental Controls on Devices: Most tablets, phones, and computers have built-in parental control features. Learn how to set them up on your specific device.
• Screen Time Management: Use device features to limit screen time and set schedules.
• Safe Search: Enable SafeSearch on Google, Bing, and YouTube.
• App Stores & Permissions: Review app permissions and restrict downloads on your child's device.

Social Media & Account Safety

• Age-Appropriate Accounts: Check the minimum age requirements for apps your child wants to use.
• Privacy Settings: Help your child adjust privacy settings to limit who can see their profile and posts.
• Strong Passwords: Use unique, strong passwords for each account. Consider a password manager.
• Two-Factor Authentication: Enable this extra security feature when available.

Online Communication Safety

• Review Contacts: Know who your child is communicating with online.
• Privacy in Messaging: Encourage private messaging rather than public comments.
• Video Call Safety: Remind children not to share screens or personal spaces during video calls with people they don't know well.
• Voice Call Caution: Be cautious about sharing phone numbers with online contacts.

School-Provided Devices

• Most schools provide devices with built-in safety features and content filters.
• Ask your school for documentation about how they filter and monitor content.
• Schools typically limit access to educational resources appropriate for your child's grade level.
• Your child's school may have IT support staff you can contact with questions.

Library Internet Access

• Public libraries offer free internet access and often provide tech training.
• Many libraries have computers designated for young learners with child-safe filtering.
• Librarians are great resources for finding age-appropriate online content and databases.
• Some libraries offer tech help sessions and digital literacy classes.

Home Internet Safety

• Router Settings: Your home router may have built-in parental control features. Contact your internet provider for help setting them up.
• Internet Service Provider (ISP) Tools: Many ISPs offer free parental control software.
• Antivirus & Anti-Malware: Keep your devices protected with up-to-date security software.
• WiFi Password: Use a strong WiFi password to prevent unauthorized access to your home network.

Community Resources

Basin Tech Explorers partners with the following organizations to support families and young people in the Uintah Basin:

• Local Schools: Your child's school is a primary resource for technology learning and digital safety education.
• Public Libraries: Free tech access, digital literacy classes, and experienced librarians who can answer questions.
• Law Enforcement: Local police departments can provide guidance on online safety, cybercrime, and reporting concerns.
• School Counselors & Social Workers: Available to discuss concerns about cyberbullying, online exploitation, or digital wellness.
• Local Government: Community programs often include digital literacy and family tech initiatives.

You Don't Need to Be a Tech Expert

• Be Curious: Ask your child to explain what they're learning. Their explanations help them learn too.
• Celebrate Mistakes: Learning from errors is a crucial part of tech education. Encourage a growth mindset.
• Learn Together: Take a class with your child or learn something new together online.
• Set Tech Boundaries: Model healthy tech habits by limiting your own screen time and being present with family.
• Create a Learning Space: Provide a quiet, distraction-free space for homework and tech projects at home.

Questions to Ask Your Child About Their Learning

• "What did you learn in tech club today?"
• "What was challenging about today's project?"
• "What would you like to build or learn next?"
• "How did you solve that problem?"
• "Did you help a friend with their project? How?"
• "What was your favorite part of the class?"