Keeping Your Children Safe Online
The S.M.A.R.T. Approach - A Parent's Guide
Setup – Set Up for Safety
- Turn on privacy settings for the best protection.
- Know your child’s passwords.
- Charge children's devices outside bedrooms, if possible.
- Use parental controls and tell your child they are on.
- Turn on safe search and content filters.
Monitor – Watch and Stay Aware
- Keep devices in shared spaces so you can see use.
- Enable location sharing via apps like Life360.
- Check browser history, apps, and contacts weekly.
- Know who your child talks to online and in games.
- Notice mood or behavior changes after using devices.
Approve – Check Before You Allow
- Look up, read reviews, and check privacy protections of apps before installing.
- Try the app yourself before allowing your child to use it.
- You make the final decision about what’s okay.
Restrict – Set Clear Rules
- Manage screen time and set limits.
- Make mealtimes and homework device-free.
- Stop device use 30–60 minutes before bedtime.
- Use filtering software and apply the same rules every day.
Talk – Talk and Listen
- How you react matters — stay calm if an issue arises.
- Listen first. Don’t judge. Solve the problem together.
- Kids who receive harmful, scary, or inappropriate messages or pictures need support.
Essential Online Safety Guidelines
Teach your child to never:
- Share their full name, age, school, address, or phone number online.
- Take photos with strangers.
- Make plans alone to meet anyone online.
- Keep secrets about online friends.
Online behavior should always show the same respect and kindness as in real life.
Warning Signs
Watch for the following signs that your child may need support.
- Someone asking for photos or personal information.
- Gifts or money sent to or from your child online without reason.
- Threats or blackmail messages.
- Sudden secrecy or mood changes.
- Multiple accounts on the same app.
- Frequently deleting browsing history.
Resources for Support
Report When Something Has Happened
When to Report:
- Immediate danger or threats of violence: Call 911
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 for immediate support
- Within 24 hours: Sextortion, explicit images, adult requesting private contact
- Always: Screenshot everything before blocking or deleting
Where to File Reports
- NCMEC Cyber Tipline: report.cybertip.org or 1-800-843-5678
- FBI Internet Crimes: ic3.gov
- OK2SAY (Michigan’s 24/7 anonymous reporting): 855-565-2729
- Michigan State Police ICAC: 1-877-MI-CYBER or MSP-Cyber@Michigan.gov
- Your School: Contact principal, counselor, or resource officer
- Local Police: For any criminal activity involving a child
Learn and Stay Informed
General Resources
- Common Sense Media: Reviews and age ratings
- ConnectSafely: Parent guides for all platforms
- Thorn for Parents: Protection from online harm
Social Media Platform Parent Guides
If Your Child is in Trouble
Sextortion/Blackmail
- Don't pay demands
- Save all evidence
- Report to FBI
- Request Image Removals
Cyberbullying
- Screenshot everything
- Block bullies on all platforms
- Report the situation to school immediately
- Visit the Stop Bullying website
Online Predators
- Stop all contact immediately
- Preserve all messages (screenshots)
- Call law enforcement right away
- Report to National Center for Missing and Exploited Children
Mental Health Resources
- Forest View Hospital: 616.942-9610
- Network 180: 616.336.3909
- Pine Rest: 800.678.5500
- Crisis Line: 988
