5 ways to talk about Safer Internet Day (and why parents should care)

The internet is an incredible tool—but it can also be a daunting place for parents raising kids in today’s digital world. Navigating online safety often feels overwhelming, but Safer Internet Day offers a chance to refocus. Celebrated on February 11 in the US and in more than 100 countries, it’s a reminder to prioritize online safety and empower families.

Here are five ways to make using the internet safer for your family, starting today:

1. Monitor, but don’t stop there.

Keeping kids safe online starts with monitoring. Online safety tools like Verizon Family Plus make it easy to block inappropriate content, regulate screen time and track locations—but these tools are only the first line of defense.

Talk about:

• What online safety tools you’re using and why. Explain how parental control tools like Verizon Family protect your child online.
• Context, not just rules. For example, explain why certain websites are off-limits or why screen time is limited during homework time.

2. Mentor—don’t just monitor.

Mentorship builds long-term digital resilience. “Think of it like teaching your child to ride a bike,” says parenting and tech expert Devorah Heitner. “You’re preparing them for the day they’ll navigate online spaces without you.”

Talk about:

• Fact-checking skills. Encourage questions like, “Who created this information, and why?” or “Can I confirm this with reliable sources?”
• Your experiences with disinformation or online mistakes. Kids learn through real-life examples of how you navigate digital challenges.
• What they encounter online, from misinformation to tricky social dynamics—and normalize these discussions. Keep them ongoing.

3. Foster online civility and respect.

Online spaces can feel like the Wild West. Kids need guidance to understand and model good digital behavior. “Kids aren’t born knowing how to interact safely online,” says Heitner.

Talk about:

• Gaming etiquette. Talk about how to enjoy online games without bullying—or being bullied. If they don’t know how, ask them if there’s a gamer’s etiquette they admire, and why.
• Handling harassment. Teach kids how to respond. For example, show them how to report unsafe behavior and block users, and explain what to avoid, such as sharing rumors in group chats.
• Empathy online. Encourage kids to think twice before commenting on or reposting something. A simple pause can prevent unintended harm.

4. Set boundaries that stick.

Algorithms are designed to pull users in, making screen-time boundaries essential. “The internet doesn’t come with a built-in off switch,” warns Heitner.

Try this:

• Model healthy habits. Limit your own screen use during family meals or before bed.
• Introduce tech-free zones at home, such as during homework time or in bedrooms.
• Teach kids self-regulation. Help them recognize when it’s time to take a break, especially if they’re consuming distressing content.

5. Build trust through open communication.

Kids are safest online when they know that they can turn to their parents—even if they make a mistake. “It’s not about tech or no tech,” says Heitner. “It’s about modeling thoughtful use and mentoring along the way.”

Try this:

• Reflect together on how time online affects mood or behavior.
• Share your challenges. Let your kids know that you also struggle with balancing tech use.
• Create a safe space. Reassure them that they can ask for help without fear of punishment.

Final thought: Every family is different.

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to parenting in the digital era. But whether your child gets their first phone at age 10 or age 15, the goal remains the same: helping them navigate the internet safely, wherever they encounter it.

For more resources on Safer Internet Day, visit saferinternetday.org.

Online safety conversations can start here, with Verizon Family.