Parenting Place educator Holly-Jean Brooker helps us navigate dangerous content across the vast digital landscape.

In today’s digital age, the internet is like the Wild West — full of fascinating discoveries but also some dangerous territories. Whether it’s explicit material, violent imagery or inappropriate language, dodgy encounters are almost inevitable.

So how can we equip young people to handle these encounters?

Set up good filtering
First things first, the internet is designed for adults. Start by installing really good filtering on all devices and wifi.

Engage in conversation
Begin by talking to your kids about the internet before they start using devices. Explain that while the internet is full of amazing resources and entertainment, it also has some content that can be disturbing or inappropriate. Reassure them that they can always come to you if they see something that makes them uncomfortable and it won’t be their fault. 

Many kids fear devices being confiscated so make it clear that your priority is to help them understand and process what they’ve seen, not to punish them or take away their devices. Creating a sense of trust and openness will make it easier for them to approach you when they need support.

Shush and listen

When your child wants to talk about something they’ve seen online, give them your full attention. It’s upsetting when we hear our kids have seen something dodgy, but try to stay calm and avoid jumping to conclusions or reacting with anger or fear.  Instead, be curious, ask open-ended questions to help them express their feelings and thoughts.

Your role is to be there for them, offering reassurance and guidance and empathy. 

Use real-life examples

Kids can relate better to conversations grounded in reality. Share age-appropriate examples of dodgy content they might encounter, such as inappropriate comments on social media or disturbing images in a game. Ask them questions, like ‘What would you do if you saw something upsetting that made you feel weird’? And ‘Why do you think people might create or share this content’? Reassure them it’s okay to feel confused or upset by it.

Discussing real-life examples helps demystify the concept of dodgy content and gives kids the tools to identify and respond to it appropriately.

Set clear boundaries

Establishing guidelines for device use can help mitigate exposure to inappropriate content. Set time limits with parental controls and keep devices in shared family spaces to monitor what your child is accessing. Remember that no filter or rule can completely block out all dodgy content.

Focus on building self-control and good judgment, as these are the best tools your child can have in navigating the digital world. Reinforce that your door is always open for discussions about anything they find online.

Reaffirm your support

Above all, make sure your child knows you’re there for them, no matter what. Reaffirm your support and trust regularly, and remind them that they can talk to you about anything, whether it’s something they’ve seen online or a question about their favourite movie.

By keeping the lines of communication open, you help your child develop resilience and confidence in handling whatever they encounter online. Together, you can navigate the challenges of the digital age with understanding and support. 

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