How to teach your child about internet safety?
The internet shapes how children study, connect, play, and grow. Whether your child is attending online classes, chatting with friends, or watching videos, the internet is part of daily life. But with this convenience comes a silent concern—are our children safe online? Many Indian parents share this worry but often feel unsure about how to guide their children. The good news? Internet safety does not require fear, threats, or full restrictions. It requires understanding, empathy, and clear steps.
As one of the leading schools in Gondia, we share some useful tips that will help you set simple boundaries, promote trust, and build lifelong safe digital habits.
What Does Internet Safety Mean for Students?
Internet safety is more than avoiding bad websites. It’s about behaviour, choices, and awareness. Children need guidance in five key areas:
| Area | What it Means | Example | How Parents Can Help |
|---|---|---|---|
| Privacy Awareness | Keep personal info hidden from strangers. | Not sharing home address or school name in a game chat. | Ask your child what info should stay “only in the house.” |
| Safe Communication | Talk only with people they know offline. | Ignoring a “friend request” from a stranger on Instagram. | Remind them: “Online strangers can act friendly but be unsafe.” |
| Content Judgement | Recognise harmful or fake content. | Skipping violent or false YouTube videos. | Sit together and check age ratings. Ask, “How does this content feel?” |
| Respectful Behaviour | Be kind online, just like offline. | Not teasing friends in group chats. | Use stories or news to explain the real impact of online bullying. |
| Seeking Help Early | Speak up when something feels wrong. | Telling you about a threatening message. | Say: “It’s always safe to tell us. You won’t get in trouble.” |
Checklist: Basic Rules to Follow at Home
Set house rules for internet use, just like you would for outdoor play. Rules should feel fair, short, and sensible.
Internet Use Rules Checklist
- Keep all social accounts private unless a parent agrees.
- Never share passwords with friends or classmates.
- Avoid posting your school name, address, or live location.
- Accept friend requests only from people you meet offline.
- Inform a parent if a message feels strange or pushy.
- Follow screen time rules, especially on school nights.
- Avoid chatting in online games without parental approval.
- Use only family-approved websites and apps.
Tip: Print and place this checklist near your child’s study space or computer area.
How to Explain Privacy Without Fear?
Children share online because it feels fun or social. But privacy must be taught with care, not scolding.
Use the “3 Checks” Method Before Posting
Ask your child to answer these three simple questions:
- Identity Check: Does this show who I am?
- Location Check: Does this say where I am or study?
- Future Check: Would I be okay if a teacher or grandparent saw this?
Example
If your child wants to post a photo from school, ask:
“Does this reveal your uniform? Can someone find your location from it?”
Set up privacy settings together, and explain why each step matters. Tell them stories (real or fictional) about children whose posts were misused.
What to Do If Someone Sends an Uncomfortable Message?
Children may freeze, panic, or delete messages. That’s why they need a clear action plan.
Teach the “STOP–SAVE–TELL” Routine
| Step | Action | Example for Your Child |
|---|---|---|
| Stop | Don’t reply, don’t engage. | “If someone says something weird, you don’t need to answer.” |
| Save | Take screenshots, note names, block if needed. | “Let’s keep this as proof. We can block them together.” |
| Tell | Inform a parent, teacher, or counsellor right away. | “You’re not alone. We’ll handle it together—no scolding.” |
Use calm, open body language. Thank your child for telling you. A calm response builds future trust.
What If Something Goes Wrong?
It’s easy to feel helpless as a parent when something bad happens online. Here’s how to respond and where to go:
Reporting & Support Checklist
- Listen calmly. Avoid shouting or blaming. Praise them for speaking up.
- Use official helplines:
- CHILDLINE 1098 – for emotional or physical danger.
- Cybercrime Portal – https://cybercrime.gov.in for online threats or harassment.
- Helpline 1930 – for fraud or financial scams.
- Speak with school authorities – ask if they have counsellors or reporting channels.
Important: Let your child know that safety is more important than punishment. This helps avoid secrecy.
Internet safety starts with trust, not fear. Clear home rules, privacy habits, and a simple “stop–save–tell” routine can help a student stay safer online and feel confident enough to ask for help. These steps also support better focus and healthier screen routines during school weeks.
Good schools in Gondia such as Podar International School in Gondia help reinforce internet safety. As a parent, you can ask:
- Are digital citizenship lessons part of the curriculum?
- How do students report cyber issues?
- Do teachers model respectful online behaviour?
Looking for more information on school admission in Gondia?
At Podar International School in Gondia, Maharashtra, we treat student safety as a shared responsibility. We maintain CCTV-monitored campuses, structured supervision, and clear conduct policies that support a safe environment. We also guide students towards responsible digital behaviour through classroom discussions and value-based education. Our focus on character development helps students act with respect and awareness, both online and offline.
For more information on our school’s admission in Gondia, contact our team at:
Email Address: admissions@podar.org
Telephone No: 6366437965
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