The Internet has become an important part of children's lives. Children use smartphones, tablets and computers to learn, communicate with friends, play games, watch videos and explore the world. While the Internet offers many opportunities, it can also expose children to risks such as cyberbullying, inappropriate content, online scams, privacy violations, harmful interactions and contact with strangers.
Keeping children safe online is therefore a shared responsibility involving parents, caregivers, teachers, children, technology companies and other stakeholders.
One simple way parents and caregivers can help children develop safer online habits is by teaching them SMART rules.
What are the SMART Rules?
The SMART Rules are a simple set of online safety guidelines designed to help children stay safe when using the internet, social media, gaming platforms, and messaging apps. The acronym stands for;
S – Stay Safe with Personal Information
Teach children not to share personal information with people they meet online.
Personal information may include their Full name, Home address, School name and location, Telephone number, Passwords and PINs, Date of birth, Family information, Live location, Photos or videos that reveal where they live or attend school.
Children should understand that not everyone online is who they claim to be. A person who appears to be a child online could actually be an adult.
SMART tip: Teach children to ask a trusted adult before sharing personal information online.
M – Meet Online Friends Carefully
Children may make friends through games, social media, chat platforms and other online communities. However, an online friend is still a stranger until their identity and relationship are known and trusted in the real world.
Children should never agree to meet someone they met online without telling a parent or trusted adult.
If an online contact asks a child to keep the relationship secret, meet privately, send photographs or move the conversation to another platform, the child should immediately tell a trusted adult.
SMART tip: If someone online makes you uncomfortable, stop communicating with them and tell a trusted adult.
A – Accept Carefully
Children should be careful about what they accept online.
This includes Friend or follow requests, Messages and chat invitations, Files and photographs, Links, Downloads, Online games and applications.
Not every link, message or offer is safe. Some may contain scams, malware or inappropriate content.
Children should also be encouraged not to accept invitations to private groups or conversations from people they do not know.
SMART tip: When in doubt, do not click, download or accept. Ask a trusted adult first.
R – Remember: Be Respectful Online
Children should understand that the rules of good behaviour also apply online.
They should not Insult or threaten others, Spread rumours, Share embarrassing photographs of others, participate in cyberbullying, Pretend to be someone else or Post hurtful comments.
Children should also remember that what they post online can be copied, saved and shared by others.
SMART tip: Encourage children to think before posting or sending anything
T – Tell Someone You Trust
One of the most important online safety rules is to tell a trusted adult when something feels wrong.
Children should know that they will not be blamed for reporting something that makes them uncomfortable or afraid.
They should tell a parent, guardian, teacher or another trusted adult if: Someone sends them inappropriate messages or pictures, Someone threatens or blackmails them, they experience cyberbullying, a stranger asks to meet them, Someone asks for their passwords or personal information, they encounter disturbing or inappropriate content.
SMART tip: Parents and caregivers should listen calmly and avoid immediately blaming or punishing the child. By creating an environment where children feel safe to speak up is essential to protecting them online.
Parents Have an Important Role
Technology alone cannot keep children safe. Parents and caregivers need to take an active interest in their children's digital lives.
Parents can:
1. Talk regularly about online safety.
Do not wait until something goes wrong before discussing Internet safety.
2. Set age-appropriate rules.
Agree on when, where and how children can use devices and social media.
3. Use privacy and parental-control settings.
Where appropriate, activate privacy settings, content filters, screen-time controls and other safety features.
4. Teach children about passwords.
Children should use strong, unique passwords and should not share them with friends or strangers.
5. Keep devices updated.
Regular software and security updates can help protect devices from known security vulnerabilities.
6. Know what platforms children are using.
Parents should understand the apps, games and social platforms their children use and the risks associated with them.
7. Encourage reporting.
Teach children how to block, mute and report accounts or content that make them uncomfortable.
8. Lead by example.
Children learn from adults. Parents should also demonstrate responsible use of phones, social media and other digital services.
Keeping children safe online does not mean preventing them from using technology. The Internet can provide children with valuable opportunities to learn, create, communicate and develop digital skills.
The goal is to help children become confident, informed and responsible digital citizens who know how to recognise risks, protect themselves and seek help when necessary.
A Simple Reminder for Every Child
S – Stay safe with your personal information.
M – Meet online friends carefully.
A – Accept messages, links and requests carefully.
R – Remember to be respectful online.
T – Tell someone you trust when something goes wrong.
Parents and caregivers: Talk to your children about online safety today. A simple conversation could help protect them tomorrow.