Child Safety Online

Protecting Children Online: A Guide for Parents & Guardians

 

The internet is an amazing space for learning, creativity, and connecting with others.

But just like the offline world, it has risks that can affect children and teens. As

parents and guardians, you play a vital role in guiding young people to use the

internet safely and responsibly.

 

At NetClick, we’re committed to helping you keep your family safe online.

Here are some practical tips:

 

  1. Talk Openly About Online Safety
  • Encourage children to share what they do online;
  • Explain the importance of not sharing personal information (like addresses, school names, or phone numbers);
  • Teach them to be cautious with strangers, just as they would in real life.

 

  1. Set Boundaries and Rules
  • Agree on screen time limits and stick to them;
  • Set clear guidelines for which websites, apps, and games are appropriate;
  • Remind them that once something is shared online, it’s hard to take it back.

 

  1. Use Parental Controls & Tools
  • Enable parental controls on your home network, devices, and apps;
  • Use child-friendly search engines or “safe search” settings;
  • Consider installing monitoring software that helps you guide usage without invading trust.

 

  1. Encourage Responsible Social Media Use
  • Help older children set their accounts to private;
  • Talk about the risks of oversharing and cyberbullying;
  • Remind them that online behaviour should be respectful, the same as face-to-face.

 

  1. Be a Role Model
  • Demonstrate good digital habits yourself (like putting devices away at family time);
  • Show that balance matters: offline play, reading, and sports are just as important.

 

  1. Know Where to Get Help

If you suspect harmful or illegal activity online, you can report it to:

  • Childline South Africa: 0800 055 555
  • South African Police Service (SAPS) Cybercrime Unit
  • ISPA Takedown Service: www.ispa.org.za/take-downs/

 

Protecting children online isn’t about blocking everything, it’s about teaching

balance, responsibility, and awareness. By combining open communication, smart

rules, and the right tools, you can give your children the freedom to enjoy the internet

safely.

 

At NetClick, we’re always here to help you create a safer online experience.