Children live in a digital world where friendships, entertainment, and learning all happen online. While technology connects us, it also introduces new risks that most adults never faced as children themselves. At RAACE, we help parents and caregivers understand those risks—and how to build online safety habits that truly protect children.
Understanding the Online Threat Landscape
Predators, scammers, and exploitative individuals often use digital platforms to reach children. Social media, gaming apps, and chat platforms can make it easy for strangers to establish relationships that start innocently but turn dangerous. Grooming can happen through flattery, attention, or seemingly harmless exchanges like sharing photos or personal details.
Cyberbullying, exposure to inappropriate content, and “sextortion” are also growing concerns. Children may not recognize manipulation or may be too embarrassed to tell adults what’s happening. Parents can’t monitor every message, but they can build an environment where honesty and trust thrive.
Building Open Communication and Digital Trust
The foundation of online safety is conversation, not surveillance. Talk regularly with your children about their online experiences—what games they play, who they chat with, and how they handle uncomfortable situations. Encourage them to tell you if someone makes them feel uneasy or asks them to keep secrets.
Set clear boundaries around devices, screen time, and privacy. Explain why it’s unsafe to share personal information or photos with strangers. The more children understand why the rules exist, the more likely they are to follow them.
Using Tools and Technology Wisely
Parental controls, privacy settings, and content filters can help, but they’re not foolproof. Keep devices in shared family spaces and check in frequently—not as punishment, but as partnership. Update apps, limit permissions, and stay informed about new platforms. Teach kids to recognize red flags like friend requests from people they don’t know or messages that move conversations to private channels.
Stay Involved and Informed
Digital safety is an ongoing effort. As your child grows, the conversation will evolve. Stay curious, stay calm, and stay connected. Children who know they can talk openly with trusted adults are far less likely to fall victim to online exploitation.
Join the RAACE Mission to Protect Kids Everywhere
RAACE is committed to raising awareness and equipping families with tools to protect children—both online and offline. Visit RAACE.org for free safety guides, workshops, and shareable resources that help parents build digital literacy and resilience. Together, we can create a safer online world for all children.