Practical tips to keep your children safe online without making the internet off-limits.
Category: Security & Privacy | Read time: 3 min | By Midland Computers
The Basics of Online Safety
The internet is an incredible resource for learning and entertainment, but it does come with risks. The goal isn't to ban technology, but to teach safe habits.
For Younger Children (Under 12)
Set Up Parental Controls
**Windows Family Safety:**
Go to **Settings > Accounts > Family**
Add your child's Microsoft account
Set screen time limits, content filters, and app restrictions
Review activity reports
**Router-Level Filtering:**
Many routers have built-in parental controls
This filters content on ALL devices connected to your home Wi-Fi
Check your router's settings page (usually at 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1)
Key Rules for Young Children
Keep computers in shared/common areas
Use child-friendly browsers and search engines
Supervise online activity
Teach them never to share personal information
Make sure they know to tell you if something makes them uncomfortable
For Teenagers
Have Open Conversations
Talk about online dangers without being scary
Discuss privacy, cyberbullying, and digital footprints
Explain that anything posted online can be permanent
Make sure they know they can come to you without judgement
Social Media Safety
Help them set profiles to **private**
Talk about not accepting friend requests from strangers
Discuss the difference between online and real-life friendships
Monitor accounts without being intrusive
Gaming Safety
Be aware of in-game chat and messaging
Set up spending controls to prevent unexpected purchases
Discuss appropriate online behaviour
Use built-in parental controls on gaming platforms
For the Whole Family
Strong Passwords
Use different passwords for each account
Consider a family password manager
Enable two-factor authentication on important accounts
Recognise Scams
If something seems too good to be true, it probably is
Never click on pop-ups claiming you've won something
Be cautious with links in emails and messages
Verify requests for money or personal information
Keep Devices Updated
Enable automatic updates on all devices
Update apps regularly
Keep antivirus software current
Talk About It
Create a family agreement about technology use
Regular check-ins about online experiences
Lead by example with your own device usage
**Need help setting up parental controls?** Midland Computers can configure parental controls on your computers, tablets, and home network. We'll set it up so it's effective but not overly restrictive.