Install parental controls on all devices. These are settings that limit what your child can see or do online. Privacy settings determine who sees information about your child.

Make sure you look at the age ratings of games, apps, shows etc. There are also safe search engines and kids’ versions of apps you can install.  

Have your child show you what they usually do on their device. Your child may already have knowledge or ideas about how to be safe online. You can use their knowledge and together explore how to be safe online as a family. Discuss and show your child how online scams may appear and how to avoid them, as well as your family rules and protections around making purchases online. 

Talk to your child and teen about how to safely use the internet. This includes not answering messages from people they don’t know and telling an adult if this happens. It also means not sharing personal information online and talking about how to use social networking safely. Talk often and openly with your child or teen so they know they can come to you with questions and concerns. 

Bullying can happen inside and outside the classroom. Talk to your child and teen about cyberbullying and what to do if they are cyberbullied or see it happening. Talk to them about how cyberbullying can harm others even if you can’t see their face.  

Changes in behavior, possible self-harm, losing interest in usual activities or friends can all be signs something is off for your child. It might not be related to their online activity, but it is worth discussing what you notice and reminding them you are there to support them.

Especially for teens, have a conversation with them about their posting online content. Let them know that the information they post may also be seen by the general public, including potential employers. Think about what you would be okay with other people outside of family and friends knowing about you. Maybe you don’t mind this information being online now, but will it bother you in a few years? Always keep this in mind before posting. Along these lines here are a few other tips to think about: 

• Use privacy settings  
• Don’t share your passwords with friends or let unknown people use your personal devices.  
• Don’t share your location or personal information 
• Don’t post harmful content about others.
• Think through the language you are using: is it something you would mind an employer seeing? Is it inclusive and kind? Does it align with who you are? 

It is important to be an informed user when online. This includes when you use the internet to research treatments, products, protocols, symptoms, etc. While it’s tempting to find answers to your health-related questions online, always be aware of the sources you are getting your information from. Anyone can post anything online, and information found online may not be factually accurate. Always ask your parents or caregivers and health care provider for the most accurate information when it comes to your health. The best way to get accurate information is to bring any questions or concerns to your health care provider or Hemophilia Treatment Center (HTC).  

Kids and teens need to know what to do if they do see something that makes them uncomfortable or makes them worry about the safety of themselves or someone they know. Reassure them that you will support them and not judge them if they come to you. If not you, offer other trusted adults they can go to.  

After discussing safe practices like the above, a helpful idea is to come up with a contract of agreed upon ‘rules’ between you and your child/teen about their online behavior. Examples of things to include in the contract are:  

• Use the right privacy settings  
• Don’t share your password with anyone or let unknown people use your personal devices  
• Don’t share your location or personal information  
• Discuss and agree on how, if at all, you are going to talk about your bleeding disorder 
• Use respectful language that doesn’t harm others. No bullying or posting harmful content about others 
• Dress code 
• How often they can use their online devices 
• What apps and websites they are/are not allowed to use 
• Not responding to messages from people they do not know and letting a trusted adult know if they get inappropriate messages 

You can add or take away from this list depending on your situation and the age of your child/teen. The American Academy of Pediatrics Family Media Plan Tool helps you build a custom media plan for your family (it includes social media too). 

The latest trends for kids and teens can feel hard to keep up with. Continue to do your own research to best support your child. Here are some organizations that can help:

• Internetmatters.org 
• Common Sense Media 
• American Academy of Pediatrics Media Use in School-Aged Children and Adolescents 
• NetSmartz Tip Sheets