Parents and caregivers today need to be equipped to have conversations with their children about safety online, and they need to understand the unique risks when sexual exploration and technology mix. We’re here for that.
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Timeline
It starts earlier than you might think
Just as children reach physical developmental milestones, they also reach them related to sexual development. Parents can help support healthy online lives for kids by knowing what to expect as they develop. It’s key to note that stages aren’t always the same for every child. Scroll through the timeline to explore child development through a digital lens, and how online activity changes over time.
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Young Children
4–6
Children this age are curious about their world and their bodies, and younger kids may compare body parts with peers. Talking about body respect and biological terms helps them understand consent, setting the stage for healthy boundaries online and offline. Access to technology may be monitored on shared family devices, but remember they are still connected to the internet.
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School Age
7–9
At this age, many kids begin to have their own device. Some start online gaming, and some have the ability to text with family and friends. There’s increasing interest in seeing naked bodies, and it’s natural to begin imitating older kids. Combine this with easy exposure to all kinds of content online and now is the time to talk about internet access, interacting with people online, and what we do and don’t share with our friends online.
Now it gets real, as kids start to have their own private devices, and interest grows in joining social media, even though they don’t meet age requirements. Puberty starts, along with a growing interest in dating and sexual relationships. Kids this age may start to feel growing social insecurity and a desire for privacy that continues into teen years. This is a key time to introduce topics like respectful relationships, peer pressure and consent, sexting, and device monitoring.
Growing social needs, privacy, independence, and sexual exploration overlap with greater social media access and usage. Embracing the awkwardness and keeping communication open about online and offline sexual health builds a foundation of knowledge and trust so youth feel empowered to make safe decisions and get help when they need it.
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Topics
Take the first step
Whether you’re just getting started or are struggling to break through, here are some topics to learn more and guide conversations.
Talking openly with your kids not only increases their knowledge about the topic but their willingness to tell you when issues come up. These conversation starters and discussion guides can help guide uncomfortable but critical conversations.
Suitable for
What do your friends use their phone / tablet for?
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Start Talking About Social Media & Platforms
Now is the time to talk about how devices and apps are used and the pros/cons of having your own device. Give real life examples. The point at this age is to engage and educate.
Have you ever seen anything online that you knew was for adults and not for kids?
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Start Talking About Social Media & Platforms
Now is the time to talk about how devices and apps are used and the pros/cons of having your own device. Give real life examples. The point at this age is to engage and educate.
Let me tell you about my favorite things to do on my phone / tablet.
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All About Device Access
Get an early understanding of what your kid wants to do online, and what having a device in their hands means—for them and for you. This is a great opportunity to bring up any concerns you might have.
Get an early understanding of what your kid wants to do online, and what having a device in their hands means—for them and for you. This is a great opportunity to bring up any concerns you might have.
You’re getting your own tablet / phone, let’s talk about what that means.
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All About Device Access
Get an early understanding of what your kid wants to do online, and what having a device in their hands means—for them and for you. This is a great opportunity to bring up any concerns you might have.
You know how movies are rated G, PG, and PG-13, so we know what’s safe for kids? Let’s rate these apps together to see which ones are appropriate for someone your age.
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Start Talking About Social Media & Platforms
Now is the time to talk about how devices and apps are used and the pros/cons of having your own device. Give real life examples. The point at this age is to engage and educate.
Now is the time to talk about how devices and apps are used and the pros/cons of having your own device. Give real life examples. The point at this age is to engage and educate.
Start setting an expectation for kids to avoid talking to people online that they don’t know in person, and that they should come to you if a stranger tries to talk to them.
Building a world where all kids can be safe, curious, and happy
We build powerful products, lead innovative programs, maintain essential resources, and develop awareness campaigns to defend children from sexual abuse. We believe in using technology to build a world where every child is free to simply be a kid.
