Tomorrow (11 February) is Safer Internet Day and this year’s theme is about empowering young people to Prepare, Protect / Thrive: Navigating Algorithms and Influencers.
Excessive internet use is spiralling, with most young people now almost constantly online: recent CSO figures reveal that nearly 8 in 10 are on the internet almost all day, everyday.
The AI-era has well and truly arrived too, ushering in a host of unseen dangers for our children from smarter, AI-powered online grooming to deepfaking: AI-generated, explicit photos that bring cyber-bullying to an entirely new level.
Coupled with powerful social media algorithms serving teenagers high levels of harmful content, it’s never been more important to recognise risks and keep children safe online.
8 tips to protect children online:
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Recognise new risks: The internet is changing rapidly, posing new dangers to teenagers and children. It’s important to know what AI-tools and websites your children may be using and keep wise to risks such as toxic social algorithms, doxxing, deepfaking and AI-powered online grooming.
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Brush up on AI: With the advent of AI comes a host of new tools and terminologies. Staying abreast of evolving apps, phrases and risks – from ChatGPT to DeepSeek, AI algorithms and bias – will mean you’re better equipped to protect your child from potential pitfalls.
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Discover the best parental control apps: Parental control apps allow you to monitor and restrict your child’s internet and phone use across multiple devices. The best ones offer features like screen time and call/texting limitations, website and app blocking, location tracking and harmful search restrictions. Take time to research features and pricing across each app to find one that best suits your needs.
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Set screen time boundaries: Excessive internet use by children can impact their wellbeing and behaviour . As 80% of our young now spend almost all day online, it’s important to explain and set clear boundaries. Use parental control apps to set screen time or device limitations, or filter by website so children can access education sites but not social media.
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Set social restrictions: New research by the Dublin City University anti-bullying centre in 2024 revealed that high levels of harmful content – from toxic masculinity to misogyny – were being served to teenage boys across TikTok and YouTube. Fortunately, each social media platform has its own privacy settings and safety tips for parents. Check them out before you let children have their own accounts.
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Be clear on do’s and don’ts: Be clear about the non-negotiables. For example, teach your child not to share personal details or photos with strangers and instruct them not to click on links to unknown websites or texts. Do encourage your child to question what they see and only accept friend requests from people they know
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Protect against viruses: Install antivirus software on family devices to minimise the risk of cyber attacks or scams. Use two-factor authentication (2FA) for extra security on your online accounts. This can also stop children from signing into services they’re not allowed to use
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Be open and supportive: Let your children know you’re on hand for advice should they need it. Creating a relaxed, positive environment helps build trust and means you won’t be left in the dark should any issues arise.
There are some great resources like webwise.ie, internetmatters.org and cybersafekids.ie to help you recognise and reduce online dangers and seek advice if you think your child is experiencing cyberbullying or is at risk online.
For more information, visit Switcher.ie’s free resource: How to keep your children safe online in Ireland.
Eoin Clarke, broadband expert at Switcher.ie comments: “As excessive internet use spirals and AI usage ramps up in classrooms and households throughout the country, it’s vital that parents stay vigilant to new, unforeseen dangers to teenagers and children.
Risks such as deepfake cyberbullying, harmful AI-generated hate speech and bias as well as overreliance on AI apps can impact a child’s sense of reality, mental health and learning skills.
Brushing up on your AI knowledge, being aware of the risks and setting appropriate boundaries can help protect children from potential pitfalls. Parental control apps offer location tracking, screen time restrictions, harmful website and search filtering, but take the time to compare features and pricing of each one, to find the best to suit your family’s needs.
Always seek support if you need it. Websites like Webwise.ie and Cybersafekids.ie have free online resources, while Parentsline.i.e. offers a national, confidential helpline should you want to talk.”
