The internet is an amazing tool for kids. It helps them learn, connect with friends and have fun. But it also has a darker side that parents need to know about. Many kids under 17 have unrestricted access to the internet, which means they can easily come across harmful content like pornography, hate speech and even instructions on how to get a gun or make a bomb. This article isn’t about judging these topics — it’s about giving parents the tools they need to protect their children and help them use the internet safely.
What are the risks?
One of the biggest concerns is pornography. It’s everywhere online, with millions of websites offering free access. Many kids see it by accident or out of curiosity, often as young as 12 years old. This early exposure can confuse them about relationships and intimacy, giving them unrealistic ideas about what healthy connections look like.
Hate speech is another growing problem. Social media platforms often promote hateful or divisive messages because their algorithms prioritize content that gets attention — even if it’s harmful. Kids may see or hear hateful language targeting race, religion, gender or other identities, which can affect their mental health and even shape their beliefs in negative ways. Even more alarming is how easy it is to find dangerous instructions online. A quick search can lead kids to videos or guides on how to buy guns or make homemade explosives. These materials are often presented as “educational” but can lead to serious accidents or even intentional harm.
How can parents help?
Protecting kids from these risks takes a mix of technology, communication, and education.
First, use parental controls and filters to block harmful content. Tools like Net Nanny or Qustodio let you manage what your child can access on their devices. You can also set up SafeSearch on Google and YouTube to filter out inappropriate results. For extra protection, network-level filters like OpenDNS block harmful websites for every device in your home.
But technology alone isn’t enough. Talk openly with your kids about what they might see online. For younger children, explain why certain websites are blocked in simple terms they can understand. For teens, have honest conversations about how pornography misrepresents relationships or how hate speech hurts people and communities. Let them know they can come to you if they see something upsetting without fear of punishment.
What about when they’re not at home?
Even if you’ve set up protections at home, kids often use devices at school, friends’ houses or public spaces where you have less control. That’s why it’s so important to teach them responsible habits early on. Help them understand that internet safety rules apply everywhere — not just at home — and encourage them to think before they click on anything suspicious. Work with schools to make sure they have strong internet safety policies in place and talk with other parents about setting similar boundaries when your child visits their home.
Helping kids gain independence
As kids grow older, they’ll need more freedom online — but that doesn’t mean letting go of all safeguards right away. For younger children (around ages 8-12), strict filters and supervised use are key. As they become teens (13-17), focus on teaching critical thinking skills so they can make smart choices online while still keeping some level of monitoring in place. The goal isn’t total control but helping your child build the skills they need to navigate the internet safely and responsibly.
Final thoughts
Parenting in today’s digital world isn’t easy, but it is possible to protect your kids while preparing them for the challenges of being online. By using tools like parental controls, having open conversations and teaching critical thinking skills, you can create a safer environment for your child while helping them enjoy the benefits of technology.
With a little effort and awareness, you can help your child use the internet safely without fear of its darker corners. Until next time: stay safe out there (for both you and your kids)!
Stephen Bach is the owner and chief of surgery at The Digital Docs.
Stephen Bach
Stephen Bach is the owner and chief of surgery at The Digital Docs in Marblehead.
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