As a parent, protecting your child in the digital world is just as important as protecting them in the physical world. Children today are exposed to the internet from a very young age — through smartphones, tablets, laptops, and smart TVs. While the internet opens up a world of learning and opportunity, it also carries serious risks such as cyberbullying, online predators, scams, and inappropriate content. Akhil Bhartiya Cyber Suraksha Sangathan urges every parent to be aware, involved, and proactive about their child's online life.

• ✅Regularly check which websites, apps, and social media platforms your child is using and for how long.
• ✅Keep computers and devices in common areas of the home rather than in the child's bedroom, so their activity is visible.
• ✅Use parental control tools and filters available on devices, browsers, and routers to block inappropriate content.
• ⚠️Monitoring should be done with trust, not suspicion — talk to your child openly rather than secretly spying on them.

• ✅Create an environment where your child feels comfortable telling you if they encounter anything disturbing or uncomfortable online.
• ✅Regularly have calm, non-judgmental conversations about what your child does online and who they talk to.
• ✅Teach your child that they will never be punished for coming to you with an online problem — this encourages them to speak up early.
• 🚫Never react with anger when your child reports an online issue — it may cause them to stay silent in the future.

• ✅Set clear and consistent daily screen time limits based on your child's age and grade level.
• ✅Establish device-free zones and times — such as during meals, before bedtime, and during study hours.
• ✅Make a family internet usage agreement together — rules are more effective when children help create them.
• 🚫Do not allow children to use devices in their bedroom at night — this reduces exposure to inappropriate content and improves sleep.

• ✅Educate your child to never share personal information online — including full name, address, school name, phone number, or photos with strangers.
• ✅Explain the concept of digital footprint — anything posted online can stay there permanently and be seen by others.
• ✅Teach your child to keep all social media profiles set to Private and to only accept friend requests from people they know in real life.
• 🚫Warn your child that online strangers are not always who they say they are — predators often pretend to be children or teenagers.

• ⚠️Know the warning signs of cyberbullying — sudden mood changes, reluctance to use devices, social withdrawal, or becoming upset after going online.
• ✅If your child is being cyberbullied, do not delete the evidence — take screenshots and save all messages before blocking the bully.
• ✅Report cyberbullying to the school, the platform, and if necessary, to the police — it is a punishable offence under Indian cyber laws.
• ✅Also make sure your child is not bullying others online — educate them about the impact of their own words and actions.

• ✅Always review and approve any app or game before your child downloads it — check age ratings and user reviews.
• 🚫Disable in-app purchases on your child's device to prevent unauthorised spending on online games or subscriptions.
• 🚫Never allow children to download apps from unknown or unofficial sources — only Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
• ⚠️Be aware of online gaming communities — some games include voice or text chat with strangers, which can expose children to harmful content or grooming.

• ✅Use strong, unique passwords for all family accounts and enable two-factor authentication wherever possible.
• ✅Keep all devices, operating systems, and apps regularly updated to protect against security vulnerabilities.
• ✅Install a trusted antivirus and internet security software on all home devices used by children.
• 🚫Never save banking passwords or OTPs on devices that children have access to.

• ✅Stay informed about the latest online threats, scams, and social media trends that target children and teenagers.
• ✅Learn about phishing, grooming, sextortion, and online radicalization — knowing the threat helps you protect your child better.
• ✅Attend cyber safety awareness workshops organised by ABCSS for parents, schools, and communities across India.
• ✅In case of any cyber crime involving your child, immediately call our Helpline: 9311159707 or file a complaint at cybercrime.gov.in.