Helping Families Stay Safe in a Digital World

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Safe Posting on Social Media

Back-to-school pictures, birthdays, and family updates are memories worth sharing—but oversharing can put kids at risk.

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Do’s:

• Share photos in private family/group chats.

• Review backgrounds before posting (no addresses, house numbers, or street signs).

• Use strong privacy settings on all platforms.

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Don’ts:

• Don’t post your child’s full name, school, or teacher info.

• Don’t include identifiable uniforms, logos, or bus numbers.

• Don’t reveal hobbies, pets, or “favorites” that strangers can use to build trust.

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**Remember: once it’s online, you can’t take it back.

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Parental Controls Made Simple

You don’t have to be a tech expert to make devices safer.

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Quick Steps:

• Enable parental controls on phones, tablets, and gaming systems.

• Turn on safe search for browsers, YouTube, and app stores.

• Require approval for app downloads or purchases.

• Review social media privacy settings regularly.

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Parenting Tip:

• Use these tools as support, not substitutes. Pair them with conversations so kids understand the “why” behind rules.

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Building Digital Trust

Children are more likely to tell you when something feels wrong if they feel safe talking about it.

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Ways to Build Openness:

• Ask who they play or chat with online.

• Create family tech rules together (like no devices in bedrooms at night).

• Encourage them to come to you if something feels “off.”

• Keep communication judgment-free to ensure they’ll keep sharing.

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**Trust is built over time—make online safety a regular, calm conversation, not a one-time lecture.

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Why It Matters

The internet is part of everyday life—and with the right tools, it can be a safe and positive space for kids. By taking small steps—checking privacy settings, setting up parental controls, and staying engaged—you can protect your child’s safety while building their confidence online.

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Prevention starts with awareness, and safety starts at home.