How to keep children safe online: A practical guide for parents

From schoolwork to socialising, the internet plays a big role in children’s lives today. But while it brings plenty of benefits, it also comes with risks.

Whether you’re raising a tech-savvy teen or a curious six-year-old, online safety is something worth tackling head-on. As broadband and digital safety experts, we’ve pulled together a simple guide to help you feel more in control of your family’s online life.

Start with open, regular conversations

The first step in online safety is building trust. Talk with your child about what they like to do online, which apps they use, and who they talk to. Let them know they can come to you if something feels wrong, without fear of punishment or panic.

Try asking things like:

• What’s your favourite app?
• Has anyone ever said anything online that made you uncomfortable?
• What would you do if a stranger messaged you?

Keeping the conversation open means you’re more likely to hear about problems early on.

Use parental controls

Parental controls aren’t about surveillance — they’re about helping families create a safer, more balanced approach to online life. With the right tools, you can block inappropriate content, set limits on specific apps or websites, monitor internet usage, and even schedule downtime during key moments like bedtime or study hours.

If you’re a GoFibre customer, you have the option to add Wi-Fi Wizard to your broadband package. It’s an easy-to-use feature within the GoFibre app that helps you manage parental controls, track usage, and filter content.

Set healthy boundaries around screen time

Children thrive with structure, and setting limits on screen time can help create a healthy balance between online and offline activities. It can also support better sleep, improved mood, and stronger focus. You don’t need to be overly strict, but it’s helpful to agree on some simple boundaries — such as keeping bedrooms or the dinner table tech-free, setting screen-free time before bed, or establishing daily limits for games and social media.

GoFibre’s Wi-Fi Wizard add-on includes built-in scheduling tools to help manage these routines automatically. There are also third-party apps with similar features. Still, the most effective approach often combines technology with open conversations and shared expectations, so everyone understands the “why” behind the rules.

Use age-appropriate content filters

Most devices, games, and streaming platforms include parental control settings — but they’re often turned off by default.

It’s worth reviewing:

• YouTube’s ‘Restricted Mode’
• SafeSearch filters on Google
• Game platform settings (like Xbox, PlayStation, or Steam)
• Privacy settings in apps like TikTok or Instagram

You can also set filters at home through your broadband provider, so all devices connected to your Wi-Fi are protected — a helpful option for younger children or shared devices.

If you’re a GoFibre customer, Wi-Fi Wizard lets you filter content, set time limits, and monitor usage.

Teach your child how to stay safe

Children won’t always be under your supervision — so it helps to teach them how to make smart choices on their own. Encourage them never to share personal information online, to use strong and private passwords, and to be cautious when talking to people they don’t know. It’s also important that they think carefully before sharing photos or videos. You can help them understand how to report and block harmful behaviour, and how to recognise scams or suspicious messages when they come across them.

Stay curious — and involved

Technology changes fast, but staying involved doesn’t mean you need to be an expert in every app. Ask questions, explore apps together, and take an interest in their online world just like you would with school or hobbies. You might ask your child to show you how a new app works, read up on trends through trusted websites like Internet Matters or the NSPCC, or use digital tools together as a family for learning, entertainment, or just having fun.

Online safety isn’t about strict rules or spying — it’s about helping your children feel confident, informed, and supported in a digital world.

If you’re looking for practical tools to support this, services like Wi-Fi Wizard can help manage screen time, filter content, and track usage.

For more tips and guidance, websites like Internet Matters, NSPCC, and Childnet offer excellent resources tailored by age.