As children spend more time engaging with online platforms and AI tools, experts advocate for routine, open conversations, clear rules, and digital literacy to safeguard against a widening array of online dangers.
Parents are being urged to treat online safety as a routine part of childcare rather than a one-off warning. As children spend more time on online classes, games, social platforms and AI tools, experts say the risks have widened from cyberbullying and scams to misinformation, unsuitable content and privacy breaches. Sandeep Kumar, founder of the Child Online Protection App, said the most effective safeguard begins with open, regular conversations at home, while clinical psychologist Shilpi Saraswat of Sakra World Hospital in Bengaluru says children also need clear guidance on sharing personal information, password security, stranger contact and digital kindness.
A central theme in the advice is that rules work best when they are consistent and explained. That means setting expectations around screen time, device-free family moments, bedtime use and age-appropriate content, rather than imposing limits without discussion. UNICEF and the American Academy of Paediatrics both recommend family media plans, clear ground rules and screen-free times and places, alongside parents modelling the habits they want children to copy.
Supervision, too, matters. Kumar advises keeping devices in shared family spaces, especially for younger children, because visibility can reduce risky behaviour without making children feel constantly watched. UNICEF also stresses the value of spending time online with children, checking privacy settings and using technology as a support rather than a substitute for parenting.
Experts say parents should focus not only on restrictions but on digital literacy. That means teaching children to question what they see, check information before believing or sharing it, and understand how misinformation, scams and AI-generated content can spread. It also means parents keeping at least a basic understanding of the apps, games and platforms their children use, so they can talk about benefits, risks and safety settings with confidence.
Behaviour can offer early warning signs. Kumar points to secrecy, sleep disruption, anxiety when separated from devices, declining school performance and withdrawal from family life as possible signs of unhealthy digital habits or upsetting online experiences. Rather than reaching first for punishment, he and Saraswat suggest creating an environment where children can speak freely, ask for help and learn calming techniques when online problems arise. The goal, they say, is not to keep children away from technology, but to help them use it safely, sensibly and with support.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
