Back to School: Phone Safety for Children
Summary: Back-to-school season often means kids are getting their first phone, making online safety for children more important than ever. Parents can help keep kids safe online by setting clear screen time limits, teaching about online privacy, and encouraging digital kindness to reduce cyberbullying risks. Using smartphone parental controls, establishing family phone guidelines, and having honest conversations about internet safety empowers children to make smart choices. With clear rules, consistent communication, and safe habits, parents can ensure kids enjoy the benefits of technology while staying protected online this school year.
Back-to-school season often comes with new beginnings—fresh supplies, new routines, and sometimes, a brand-new phone for your child. While having a phone can be a great way to stay connected, it also opens the door to the online world, making digital safety more important than ever.
If your child is now carrying a phone in their backpack, here are some practical tips to help them stay safe online:
1. Start with an Honest Conversation
Before you hand over the phone, talk openly about what it means to use it responsibly. Kids don’t instinctively know the risks of online interactions, so explain in age-appropriate ways why privacy, respect, and boundaries matter online.
2. Set Clear Boundaries and Rules
Create family guidelines for phone use, such as:
No phones in bedrooms at night.
Time limits for screen time.
Approval needed before downloading apps or joining social networks.
These rules help kids understand that having a phone is a privilege and comes with responsibility.
3. Teach Them About Online Privacy
Most kids don’t realize how much personal information they share. Make it clear:
Never share full names, home addresses, or school locations publicly.
Be cautious about posting photos in recognizable uniforms or locations.
Discuss how even seemingly harmless posts can spread far beyond their friend group.
4. Encourage Digital Kindness
Phones give kids instant access to peers, but that also means they may encounter cyberbullying. Help your child understand the impact of their own words and encourage them to speak up if they see or experience bullying online.
5. Use Parental Controls Wisely
Most smartphones have built-in parental controls. These can help you set limits on screen time, restrict certain content, and monitor app usage without hovering over your child’s shoulder. Think of them as training wheels rather than permanent solutions.
6. Keep Communication Open
The most effective safety tool is your relationship with your child. Let them know they can always come to you if something online feels uncomfortable or confusing. Remind them you’re there to help, not punish.
Final Word
Getting your child their first phone is a big milestone. By setting clear expectations, teaching safe habits, and keeping conversations open, you can help your child enjoy the benefits of technology—while keeping them protected as they head back to school.
At Big Sister, we advocate for children's safety online. Our app marks a positive change in the way that our children are protected online, using flags and alerts to warn parents of dangerous content without breaking down trust and privacy barriers between children and adults.
Find out more about how to protect your children online without breaking their trust in our latest blog here.
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