Teaching children ONLINE SAFETY

How can I instill safety habits in my two children, aged ten and 12 years, about sharing personal information online in an increasingly digital world? — Manas Thapas, Kolkata

- Reena Chopra

Children in this age group learn best through clear rules and repetition. Introduce simple digital safety guidelines, explaining that private information such as full names, home addresses, school details and personal photos should not be shared, while also reiterating what is safe to share online. Use simple, calm language, not fear-based warnings.

Co-view digital content with children, keep devices in shared family spaces, and role-play online situations just as you would practise real-world safety skills like crossing the road. A helpful tool for online content is the 'traffic light rule': Green — safe to share; Yellow — ask a parent first; and Red — never share.

Moreover, encourage your children to pause and check before posting — it will turn online safety into a habit, not a source of anxiety.

My ten-year-old son is envious of some of his friends' expensive gadgets, foreign holidays, etc. I want him to understand that material possessions don't define happiness or self-worth. Please advise.
— Kyra Ved, Bengaluru