Keeping Kids Safe Online: Raising Tech-Ready Kids with Confidence

Well, Chris, this has been fantastic.

I think as we wrap up, I'd love to hear you speak directly to a parent or a caregiver who is maybe a little overwhelmed by this conversation or is thinking, "Hmm, we're already way behind." Can you give us like three practical things that they can start doing this week to help them kind of close the gap that they might be feeling?

Well, I think it can start with using something out of a couple of the layers.

All right? I want every child in every home to know that no matter what they see, say, send, or share online, that they can land safely and softly with us.

Say that.

And then say it so often that they know you're going to say it, and they're a little bit annoyed that you're saying it again.

Okay?

[laughs]

So that's thing one.

Let's move to the second layer, the Wi-Fi layer.

Okay? Is your home network secure? You'd be surprised as to how many secret devices you probably have in your house that can get online.

Your treadmill has internet access.

Did you realize that? Like-

Yeah

... get those things controlled.

That's simple.

And then location.

Location really matters.

Yeah.

I think these are three real easy.

There are certain locations that are on that non-negotiable list, you know, that we have to recognize increase the risk of digital harm, bedrooms, bathrooms, basements, buses, sleepovers, these kinds of places.

And, and so, uh, start with something as, you know, tangible and pragmatic as those, those layers.

Say that one thing, do a little bit of research on routers with the post that you're gonna link in the show notes that we have on our website, and then decide where tech can and can't be used, and let's do those three things over the next two to three weeks.

Yep.

And then pick something else.