Talking to your child about online safety is important. We teach our children to cross the street safely or not to go with strangers, but those teachings also include a conversation about the online world and how to use it.

Tip: don't wait until they are teenagers!

4 tips for parents, caregivers and grandparents

1. Use a news item, a TV topic or another example to broach the subject. For example, ask: Have you ever experienced or seen this happen with one of your friends at school? 

2. Teach your child about setting and respecting their own boundaries and also explain that these boundaries may differ for everyone. Give concrete examples of what can be considered transgressive and how they can indicate that their boundary is (almost) being crossed.

3. Bring up the subject when you and your child are engaged in a daily routine, such as driving to school or clearing the dinner table. Sometimes that's more comfortable.

4. Explain that a photo can sometimes be forwarded without permission. This can be very hurtful for the person in the photo. If your kid, as a child or teenager, receives a photo of someone else, don't share it! Delete the photo and advise them to ask you or a teacher at school for help.

10 tips for children

1. Think twice before adding anyone online. This doesn’t just apply to social media, but also to online games. Sadly, not everyone you meet always has the best intentions. First check whether this person looks suspicious. If it doesn’t feel right, don’t do it!

2. If someone is harassing you online, for example by asking for sexually explicit photos or videos of you, block them. You don't always have to respond to someone. Even if it's someone you know.

3. Make sure that not everyone can find information about you online, such as where you live or where you go to school. Not everyone has to know everything about you.

4. Never share sexually explicit photos or videos in which you are recognizable. Not even with friends. Real friends would never make you feel guilty or uncomfortable.

5. Be wary if someone makes sexually suggestive comments in a conversation online. Especially if you don't know this person very well. If they keep bothering you, you can block them.

6. Be critical of people who give you gifts or money online. They could use this against you later and push you to do things that you don't feel comfortable with.

7. Always say no when something doesn't feel right, even if they get mad. You have the right to refuse things.

8. Trust your own gut instinct. If it doesn't feel good, it often isn't good. When in doubt, never do it.

9. If you ever feel unsafe or uncomfortable, speak to someone you trust. Even when in doubt. This could be one of your parents, a teacher, an (older) brother or sister, another family member or an organization.

10. If you see something happening around you that is not okay, tell someone.

Children aged 4 or 5 are already on their parents’ and grandparents’ phones, or on tablets at their friends’ homes. So start early and talk to your child regularly about their online experiences. For example, ask: “What did you experience online today?” Show an interest in the apps, games, and websites they use.

Sit down together and let your child explain to you how a game like this works. Perhaps there is a chat function? Who do they talk to there? In this way you can create an open and safe atmosphere and show that your (grand)child can come to you to talk about their life online.