The Grandparents' Guide to Internet Safety for Children
- Jason Riley
- Jul 17
- 4 min read
Whether it's watching YouTube videos, playing games on a tablet or chatting with friends online, today's children spend more time connected than any previous generation.
Many grandparents now provide regular childcare before school, after school or during the holidays. That often means helping children use technology safely.
The good news is that you don't need to understand every app or game to make a real difference. By learning a few simple principles, you can help create a much safer online environment for your grandchildren.
Why Internet Safety for Children Matters
The internet is an incredible learning tool. It allows children to:
Learn new skills
Stay connected with family
Explore educational content
Develop creativity
Have fun with friends
Unfortunately, it also exposes children to risks, including:
Inappropriate videos
Online predators
Cyberbullying
Scams
Fake competitions
Privacy risks
Excessive screen time
The goal isn't to scare children away from technology—it's to teach them how to use it safely.
YouTube Isn't Always Kid-Friendly
Many grandparents assume YouTube only contains harmless children's videos.
Unfortunately, that's no longer true.
Even seemingly innocent searches can eventually recommend the following:
Violent content
Adult humour
Dangerous challenges
Misleading health advice
Disturbing animations designed to target children
What you can do
Whenever possible:
✔ Use YouTube Kids instead of standard YouTube.
✔ Choose the child's age range correctly.
✔ Turn off autoplay where practical.
✔ Watch together occasionally.
If something seems inappropriate, don't assume it was intentional. The recommendation system simply made a poor choice.
Online Games Are Often Social Networks
Many games today aren't just games.
Children may be talking with complete strangers through the following:
Roblox
Minecraft
Fortnite
Rec Room
VR games
Many games include:
Voice chat
Text messaging
Friend requests
In-game purchases
User-created content
Most children never encounter problems.
However, strangers sometimes pretend to be children.
Good family rules
Children should never:
Tell strangers their surname
Say where they live
Reveal which school they attend
Share photos
Give out phone numbers
Move conversations onto other apps
If a conversation makes them uncomfortable, encourage them to tell a trusted adult immediately.
Social Media Comes Earlier Than Many Parents Expect
Although many platforms require users to be at least 13 years old, younger children sometimes gain access using incorrect birth dates.
Popular platforms include:
TikTok
Instagram
Snapchat
Discord
These platforms can expose children to:
Cyberbullying
Unrealistic body image
Online grooming
Privacy issues
Viral trends
Misinformation
Grandparents don't need to understand every platform.
Instead, ask simple questions:
"What do you like watching?"
"Who's your favourite creator?"
"Can you show me your favourite videos?"
Children often enjoy explaining their online world.
Those conversations build trust.
Set Family Device Rules
Children thrive on consistency.
Even if you're only looking after grandchildren occasionally, try to follow the same technology rules their parents have established.
Good rules might include:
✔ No devices during meals
✔ Devices stay in shared family areas
✔ No phones in bedrooms overnight
✔ Ask before downloading apps
✔ Always tell an adult if something online feels scary or upsetting
Consistency between parents and grandparents helps children develop healthy habits.
Teach Children That It's Okay to Speak Up
Perhaps the most valuable lesson isn't technical at all.
Children should know they will never be in trouble for telling a trusted adult about something that worried them online.
Encourage them to come to you if:
Someone asks for photos
They receive frightening messages
Someone asks to keep secrets
They accidentally see upsetting content
They think they've made a mistake
Calm conversations are far more effective than angry reactions.
If children fear punishment, they're less likely to ask for help next time.
Be Careful What You Share About Your Grandchildren
Many grandparents love posting family photos online.
Before uploading:
Ask the parents first.
Avoid school uniforms.
Don't reveal regular locations.
Avoid showing house numbers.
Consider whether the child would be comfortable with the photo in future.
Once something appears online, it can be very difficult to remove completely.
Learn Together
Technology changes quickly, and no one knows every app.
Don't be afraid to say:
"Show me how that works."
Children often love teaching grandparents about technology.
That curiosity opens the door for valuable conversations about online safety.
Simple Online Safety Checklist
Before handing over a device, ask yourself:
✅ Are parental controls enabled?
✅ Is the child using age-appropriate apps?
✅ Are privacy settings configured?
✅ Are purchases protected with a password?
✅ Is screen time reasonable?
✅ Does the child know they can talk to me?
If you answered "yes" to most of these questions, you're already helping create a much safer online experience.
Final Thoughts
Technology isn't something grandparents need to fear.
The internet offers incredible opportunities for children to learn, create and stay connected.
With a little guidance, open conversation and a few sensible boundaries, grandparents can play an important role in helping the next generation enjoy the benefits of technology while avoiding many of its risks.
You don't need to know everything.
You simply need to be someone your grandchildren know they can trust.
Need Help?
If you're unsure how to set up parental controls, make devices safer, provide practical safety for children using the internet, or protect your family's privacy online, Arafura Consulting & Media can help.
We specialise in providing practical, easy-to-understand technology advice for Australian families and seniors.
Useful Resources:
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