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Talking to kids about healthy online habits

Key takeaways

  • Healthy online habits keep all kids safe and happy. 
  • Use easy conversation tips and fun activities to teach your child about online safety. 
  • Involve the whole family by agreeing to clear rules about screen time.

Kids use the internet to learn and play.

In the real world, we have rules to stay safe and healthy – like “don’t run inside” and “brush your teeth every day”. It’s the same for the online world. 

You can help your child start good online habits young. Let’s find out how.

How to start

A mother helping her daughter do her homework.

The first simple step is to just talk about online safety and health! Here’s how you can start: 

  • Ask what games or apps they like to use 
  • Talk about a news story about kids and the internet 
  • Share something fun or helpful you found online 
  • Ask them to show you how they use their favourite app 
  • Always watch together with young children 

Find more easy ideas:


Conversation Starters (eSafety)

Learning about online safety

Teaching your kids can be easy and fun! Try these free activities with them: 
These activities are from Google’s Be Internet Legends program.
Learn more

Work as a family

Include your kids in deciding how the whole family will use screens. To make a family tech agreement: 

  1. Sit down as a family 
  2. Talk about when and where devices can be used 
  3. Agree on screen-free times (like during meals) 
  4. Write down the rules 
  5. Have everyone sign the agreement 

For more help, try these eSafety templates and resources: 

Family tech agreement templates    

Are they old enough?

Parents helping their son and daughter to do their homework.

Tips for healthy screen time

  • Set clear limits on screen time 
  • Plan screen-free activities every day 
  • Turn off devices during meals and before bedtime 
  • Be a good example by limiting your own screen time 

Find more great tips in the Optus Digital Thumbprint guide to balancing time online.

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