This week saw Safer Internet Day, when the theme was Prepare / Protect / Thrive: Navigating Algorithms and Influencers. Excessive internet use is spiraling and recent CSO figures reveal that 8 in 10 are on the internet almost all day, every day.
The AI era has arrived, ushering in a host of unseen dangers for our children, from smarter, AI-powered online grooming to deep-fakes: AI-generated, explicit photos that bring cyberbullying to a whole new level.
With Social media algorithms serving teenagers high levels of harmful content, it’s never been more important to recognise the risks and keep children safe online.
Here are eight tips to protect children online:
1. Recognise new risks: The internet is changing rapidly, posing new dangers to your children. It’s important to know what AI tools and websites they may be using and be aware of risks such as toxic social algorithms, doxxing, deep-fake, and AI-powered online grooming.
2. Brush up on AI: With the advent of AI comes a host of new tools and terminologies. Staying abreast of evolving apps, phrases and risks – from Chat GPT to Deep Seek, AI algorithms and AI bias – will mean you’re better equipped to protect your child from potential pitfalls.
3. Parental control apps: This allows you to monitor and restrict your child’s internet and phone use across multiple devices. The best ones offer features like screen time and call/texting limitations, website and app blocking, location tracking and harmful search restrictions.
4. Screen time boundaries: As 80% of our young now spend almost all day online, explaining and setting clear boundaries is important. Use parental control apps to set screen time, device limitations or filter by website so children can access educational sites but not social media.
5. Set social restrictions: New research by the Dublin City University anti-bullying centre in 2024 revealed high levels of harmful content – from toxic masculinity to misogyny – were being served to teenage boys across TikTok and YouTube. Fortunately, each social media platform has privacy settings and safety tips for parents.
6. Be clear on do’s and don’ts: Teach your child not to share personal details or photos with strangers and not to click links to unknown websites or texts. Do encourage your child to question what they see and only accept friend requests from people they know.
7. Protect against viruses: Install antivirus software on family devices to minimise the risk of cyber attacks or scams. Use two-factor authentication (2FA ) for extra security on your online accounts to stop children from signing into services they’re not allowed to use.
8. Be open and supportive: Let your children know you’re on hand for advice if needed. Creating a relaxed, positive environment helps build trust and means you won’t be left in the dark with any issues.
Resources like Webwise.ie, Internetmatters.org, and Cybersafekids.ie, can help you recognise and reduce online dangers and seek advice if you think your child is experiencing cyberbullying or is at risk online.
Eoin Clarke, broadband expert at Switcher.ie said that as excessive internet use spirals and AI usage ramps up in classrooms and households throughout the country, it’ i vital that parents stay vigilant to new, unforeseen dangers to their children.
“Risks such as deep-fake cyberbullying, harmful AI-generated hate speech and bias, as well as overreliance on AI apps, can impact a child’s sense of reality, mental health and learning skills.
“Brushing up on your AI knowledge, knowing the risks, and setting appropriate boundaries can help protect children. Parental control apps offer location tracking, screen time restrictions, harmful websites, and search filtering, but take the time to compare the features and pricing of each one to find the best one for your family’s needs,” he said.
Always seek support if you need it. Websites like Webwise.ie and Cybersafekids.ie have free online resources, while Parentsline.ie offers a national, confidential helpline should you want to talk.”
