Sun, Fun, & Screen Time: Keeping Kids Safe Online this Summer
When school lets out for summer break, many children will have more free time and be looking for ways to tackle boredom. Without their normal routine and schedule, children will likely spend more time online. From gaming, using social media, watching videos, or connecting with friends, increased screen time can also mean increased exposure to online risks. According to the Child Crime and Prevention Center, children aged 12 to 15 are among the most vulnerable and are often susceptible to being groomed or manipulated by adults they meet online. Therefore, June is an ideal time to recognize and reflect on these dangers during National Internet Safety Month.
Summer should be a time of fun, growth, and connection—and that includes the digital world. By staying involved, setting clear expectations, and fostering open communication, adults can help children safely navigate online spaces while making the most of their summer break.
Set Clear Online Expectations & Boundaries
For parents, caregivers, and educators, summer is the perfect opportunity to reinforce safe digital habits while still allowing kids to enjoy technology in positive ways. Safety can start by creating simple, age-appropriate rules for internet use. Establish when and for how long children can be online, which types of websites or apps are allowed, and where devices can be used (e.g., keeping screens in shared family spaces).
Consistency helps children understand boundaries and builds healthy routines. Encourage ongoing conversations about online experiences. Ask children what games they are playing, who they’re talking to, and what content they enjoy. Make sure they feel comfortable coming to you if something makes them uneasy. Keeping communication judgment-free is key to building trust.
Summer is a great time to promote a healthy balance between screen time and outdoor play, hobbies, and family activities. Setting limits on device use can help reduce overexposure and improve overall well-being. Remember that children learn by example. Therefore, as adults, it is important to practice good digital habits by being mindful of your screen time, protecting your privacy, and engaging in respectful online interactions.
Create Safe Spaces with Parental Controls & Privacy Settings
Take advantage of built-in parental controls on devices, apps, and internet browsers. Adjust privacy settings to limit who can contact your child and what information is visible to them. While these tools are not always foolproof, they add an important layer of protection. As children grow and technology evolves, revisit your family’s online safety rules. What works for a younger child may need to be adjusted for a teen with more independence.
Remind children never to share personal details online, such as their full name, address, school, phone number, or location. Help them understand that people online may not always be who they say they are. Online games are a popular summer activity, but they can include chat features or interactions with strangers. Monitor the games your child plays and consider disabling chat features for younger users. Encourage children to only play with people they know in real life.
Not Quite Right? Recognize Signs of Online Trouble
Changes in behaviors like secrecy, sudden mood shifts after being online, or reluctance to use the device may signal an issue like cyberbullying or inappropriate content exposure. Pay attention and check in if something seems off. Teach children how to block users, report inappropriate behavior, and exit uncomfortable situations online. Knowing what to do empowers them to act if something goes wrong.
Protecting the Future Generation
The Progressive Agriculture Foundation® (PAF) recently revitalized its Internet/Cyber Safety curriculum, including six different lessons. As technology becomes increasingly important in everyday life, it is critical that youth understand how to stay safe online. This new hands-on curriculum helps youth participants learn to respond to cyberbullies, protect personal information, recognize scams and phishing attempts, understand digital footprints, and practice safe online behavior.
Progressive Agriculture Safety Day® (PAF Safety Day) programs continue to be recognized as the largest rural safety and health education program for children in North America. More than 2 million children and adults have been impacted since the program’s inception in 1995.
Join our mission to provide education, training, and resources to make farm, ranch, and rural life safer and healthier for all children, their families, and their communities. Visit www.progressiveag.org for more information and click Get Involved to learn about volunteer opportunities, donating to the cause, or bringing a PAF Safety Day to your local community.