For children growing up in a digital world, being online is no longer optional. Tablets, smartphones, social media, games and streaming platforms have become part of everyday life.

But while technology can create opportunities for learning and creativity, it can also expose children to risks that are not always obvious. A simple photo, video or conversation can reveal far more information than a child realises.

The Breakdown

One of the biggest concerns is oversharing.

Children should understand that information such as their home address, school, phone number, passwords and family financial details should never be shared online without permission.

Even a seemingly innocent post can reveal important details. A photo in a school uniform can identify a child’s school. A picture showing the inside of a home can reveal where valuable items are kept. A location tag can reveal where a child is at a particular moment.

The risks also go beyond social media. Children can encounter inappropriate content through YouTube, television, gaming platforms, friends’ devices or even someone else’s phone.

That is why simply saying, “My child doesn’t have a phone,” does not necessarily mean the child is protected from online content.

What It Means

Digital safety is therefore not only about controlling the device. It is about preparing the child.

Parents need to combine parental controls with conversations about what children see and experience online.

Privacy settings can help. Parents can restrict direct messages, comments, group invitations and location sharing. Features such as restricted modes, family pairing and supervised experiences can provide additional layers of protection.

But technical controls cannot replace communication.

Children should know that if they see something strange, inappropriate or uncomfortable online, they can come to a parent or trusted adult without fear of being immediately punished or having their device taken away.

The Opportunity

The digital world can still be a powerful learning environment.

Children can use technology to develop literacy, numeracy, creativity, science and programming skills. Resources such as digital books, educational videos, Scratch and STEM activities can turn screen time into meaningful learning.

The opportunity for parents is to move from simply restricting technology to intentionally guiding its use.

Instead of asking only, “How long has my child been online?” parents can also ask, “What are they learning, creating and experiencing while they are online?”

The Next Move

Start by establishing simple family internet rules.

Keep devices away during meals, after bedtime, during homework and family conversations. Review privacy settings on the apps children use, turn off unnecessary location sharing and make sure children understand what information must remain private.

Most importantly, keep the conversation going.

Ask questions such as: What new app did you discover? Who did you meet online? What was the funniest thing you watched? Did anything online make you uncomfortable?

These conversations help parents understand their children’s digital lives without turning every interaction into an interrogation.

The goal is not to keep children away from technology forever. It is to give them the knowledge, boundaries and judgment they need to use it safely.

Based on #JoyGeekSquad Road with Tony Marfo, Samuel Boateng and Prince Sarfo. You can get the full conversationhere