When the final school bell rings for summer, kids often trade homework for screens. With more free hours in the day, activities like gaming, streaming, and social media quickly take centre stage. But with that freedom comes risk.
From online scams and inappropriate content to risky interactions with strangers, the internet isn’t always kid-friendly. Without the structure of the school year, boundaries can easily slip.
That’s why summer is the perfect time for parents to revisit online safety at home. A few simple steps can go a long way in helping your child explore the internet more safely.
As your trusted technology partner, we’re here to help you stay one step ahead this summer. Here’s how to manage screen time, reduce risk and build a safer digital environment for your child.
Why summer poses extra online safety risks
During the school year, screen time is naturally limited by daily routines like homework, extracurriculars and early bedtimes. But once summer break begins, those limits often disappear.
Without the structure of school days, screen time tends to rise sharply. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children average 7 to 9 hours of screen time per day during the summer months.
Beyond physical and mental health concerns tied to excessive screen use, more time online also means more exposure to digital threats. The most common include:
Online scams and phishing attempts: Fake giveaways, suspicious links in chats and scammy pop-ups often target young users who may not recognize warning signs. These threats can lead to malware, data theft or accidental purchases.
- Exposure to inappropriate content: Without filters or controls, children may stumble across videos, images or sites that aren’t age-appropriate.
- Unmonitored chats with strangers: Many games and apps have built-in messaging that makes it easy for kids to connect with others. While some conversations may be harmless, others can turn inappropriate or seek personal information.
- App and game downloads with hidden risks: Free apps may come with ads, in-app purchases, or data tracking that users (kids and adults alike) may unknowingly agree to.
- Oversharing personal information: Children may not realize the risks of sharing their full name, school, location, or photos. Even casual posts can be pieced together to expose sensitive details.
Understanding these risks is the first step in protecting your child. Up next are practical ways to manage screen time and set stronger digital boundaries.
Click with confidence: 5 tips for a safer online summer
Keeping kids safe online doesn’t mean taking away the fun. With a few simple ground rules, your child can enjoy their favourite digital spaces while staying protected.
- Set clear expectations about online activity
Start by talking with your child about what’s allowed and what’s not. Discuss which apps, games, and sites are approved, and explain why some platforms may not be safe.
Set rules about online conduct, what can be shared, and who it’s safe to talk to. When children understand the “why” behind your rules, they’re more likely to follow them.
- Limit screen time with daily routines
It’s easy for screen use to stretch over summer break. Set consistent boundaries by building a daily routine that includes offline activities like reading, outdoor play, or creative time.
Use built-in device settings or parental control apps to help manage time. Clear start and stop times reduce screen fatigue and help keep other parts of the day productive and engaging.
- Keep devices in shared family spaces
Parents can better supervise screen time when kids use devices in open areas like the kitchen or living room. It’s easier to spot concerning behaviour and start conversations about smart digital choices. It also discourages secretive screen use.
- Use parental controls and adjust privacy settings
Most devices and platforms offer tools to help block harmful content, limit purchases and control interactions. Review privacy settings on each app or website and set profiles to private where possible. Filtering by age can also help prevent accidental exposure.
- Teach kids to recognize red flags online
Help your child learn to spot sketchy messages, fake links, and suspicious pop-ups. Talk about why they shouldn’t click on unfamiliar links or share passwords.
Encourage them to come to you if they see something online that feels off. Keeping communication open builds trust and helps kids ask for help when needed.
A safer summer starts at home
The internet is a big part of how children connect, learn, and have fun—especially in summer. But just like any playground, it needs some supervision.
With built-in safety tools, open conversations, and healthy digital habits, your child can enjoy the internet more securely. Cybersecurity doesn’t have to feel overwhelming.
A few small changes can make a big difference. And if you need help setting up any of these tools, we’re only a call away.
