Parents

For Parents

Your children are growing up online. Here is everything you need to keep them safe, informed and confident.

50%
of teens have experienced something upsetting online
6 hrs
average daily screen time for teenagers globally
58%
of children never tell parents when bullied online

Starting the Conversation

The most powerful tool you have is communication. Children who feel safe talking to their parents are far more likely to report problems online. Here is how to build that trust.

Ask, don't interrogate
Approach online conversations with curiosity rather than accusation. "What are you playing?" opens more than "Who are you talking to?"
Make it routine
Brief, regular check-ins about their online life are less threatening than rare sit-down conversations that signal something is wrong.
Stay calm when they tell you things
If you react badly when they share problems, they will stop sharing. Thank them for telling you and address the issue calmly.
Learn their platforms
Download and explore the apps your child uses. Understanding TikTok, Roblox or Snapchat helps you ask better questions.
Share your own experiences
Talk about times you received a suspicious email or saw something odd online. Normalise discussing digital safety.
Set rules together
Children who help create the household internet rules are more likely to follow them. Make it a shared agreement.

By Age Group

Online risks and the right conversations change as your child grows. Here is guidance tailored to each stage.

Primary (5-11)
View tip sheet
Keep devices in shared family spaces
Use parental controls on all devices
Limit screen time to agreed amounts
Supervise online gaming interactions
Discuss what "private information" means
Make reporting problems feel safe and normal
Middle School (11-14)
View tip sheet
Discuss social media before they join
Review friend/follower lists together
Talk about cyberbullying and what to do
Explain the permanence of online posts
Know what games they play and with whom
Set agreed device-free times (meals, bedtime)
High School (14-18)
View tip sheet
Talk openly about image safety and sexting
Discuss online job scams and fake offers
Respect growing privacy while staying connected
Know the legal consequences of online actions
Discuss romance and online relationships
Keep communication open without surveillance

Practical Safeguards

Practical steps you can take today to protect your family online without destroying trust.

1
Use parental controls
Set up content filtering on devices, routers and app stores. Most devices have built-in family safety features.
2
Keep devices in shared spaces
Especially for younger children, keep computers and tablets in common rooms - not bedrooms.
3
Know their passwords
For younger children, knowing account passwords allows you to check in without invading privacy regularly.
4
Set screen time limits
Use device settings or family apps to set daily limits and quiet times, especially before bed.
5
Check privacy settings together
Sit down with your child and review the privacy settings on every social media account they use.
6
Create a family agreement
Write a simple internet use agreement together - what is allowed, what is off-limits, and what happens when rules are broken.
7
Monitor without spying
Occasional, transparent check-ins are healthier than covert surveillance. Tell your child you may look at their phone.
8
Report concerns immediately
If something worrying happens online involving your child, contact CyberTips at 1-441-777-0875 or the Bermuda Police Service.

Worried about your child online?

If your child has experienced cyberbullying, been contacted by a stranger, or seen something upsetting, report it now. You can do this on their behalf.

File a Report
1-441-777-0875
[email protected]