• 1
    Build trust

    It's important to develop both your trust in your child to make smart choices, and their trust in their parents not to be overly controlling or anxious. Have clear family rules about when it is and isn’t appropriate to be online or using gadgets, and about the kind of content that's shared and who can see it

  • 2
    Have some non-digital time

    There will be times you want family members to focus on one another without any digital interruptions or influences – for instance, at mealtimes, family get-togethers and after a certain time in the evening. Ask the rest of the family if they will agree to this. Discuss having a ‘no digital’ rule for these times, then come up with a family policy and put it up where everyone can see it

  • 3
    Lead by example

    If you don't want your child to compare themselves unfavourably to people they see online, then don’t compare them to their peers, and don’t compare yourself to others, either. If, for example, your child is comparing herself to celebrities online, then she’s comparing herself to an idealized image, which can undermine her positive body image and self-esteem

  • 4

    Build inner strength

    Part of staying safe on social media is maintaining a strong sense of self. Talk with your child about who they really are and their best qualities.

  • 5

    Help your child with their personal struggles

    Ask your child what they’d like to do better or if there's a personality quirk they’d like to change, and why it’s important to them. Then discuss ways to work on the issue and get support from others