Summer Cybersecurity: Keeping Kids Safe Online During Break

When the final school bell rings for summer, kids often swap homework for screens. With more free hours in the day, activities like gaming, streaming, and social media quickly take center stage. Yet, with that freedom comes risk.

From online scams and inappropriate content to risky interactions with strangers, the internet isn’t always kid-friendly. Without the structure of the school year, boundaries can slip.

That’s why summer is the perfect time for parents to revisit online safety at home. A few simple steps can go a long way in helping your child explore the internet more safely.

As your trusted technology partner, we’re here to keep you one step ahead this summer. Here’s how to manage screen time, reduce risk, and create a safer digital environment for your child.

Why Summer Poses Extra Online Safety Risks

 During the school year, screen time is naturally limited by daily routines like schoolwork, extracurriculars, and early bedtimes. But once summer break begins, those limits often disappear.

With no school-day structure, screen time tends to increase dramatically. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children average 7 to 9 hours of screen time per day during the summer months.

Besides the physical and mental health concerns linked to excessive screen use, more time online can also bring greater exposure to digital risks. Some of the most common include:

• Online scams and phishing attempts: Fake giveaways, suspicious links in chat boxes, and scammy pop-ups often target young users who may not recognize red flags. These can lead to malware, data theft, or unintended purchases. 

• Exposure to inappropriate content: Without filters or parental controls, kids may stumble upon videos, images, or websites that are not age-appropriate.

• Unmonitored chats with strangers: Many games and apps have messaging features that make it easy for kids to connect with others. While some interactions are harmless, others can expose children to inappropriate conversations or attempts to collect personal information.

• App and game downloads with hidden risks: Free games or apps may include ads, in-app purchases, or data-tracking permissions that kids (and even adults) don’t fully understand when clicking “Accept”.

• Oversharing personal information: Kids may not realize the impact of sharing their full name, school, location, or photos online. Even casual posts or profile details can be used to piece together sensitive information.

Understanding these risks is the first step in protecting your child. Next up, we’ll explore practical ways to manage screen time and set stronger digital boundaries for a safer summer.

Click with Confidence: 5 Tips for a Safer Online Summer

 Keeping kids safe online doesn’t mean they can’t have fun. With a few ground rules in place, your child can enjoy their favorite digital spaces while staying protected.

Tip #1: Set Clear Expectations About Online Activity

 Start by talking with your child about what is okay and what is not. Discuss which apps, games, and websites are approved, and explain why certain platforms may be unsafe.

Establish rules around how to behave online, what kind of content is appropriate to share, and who it is safe to talk to. When kids understand the “why” behind the rules, they are more likely to respect them.

Tip #2: Limit Screen Time with Daily Routines

 It’s easy for screen time to stretch during summer break. Set consistent limits by establishing a daily routine that includes offline activities like reading, outdoor play, or creative time.

Use built-in device settings or parental control software to manage screen usage. Having clear start and stop times helps reduce screen fatigue and keeps other parts of the day engaging and productive.

Tip #3: Keep Devices in Shared Family Spaces

 Parents can more easily supervise what is happening on screen when kids use phones, tablets, or laptops in open areas like the kitchen or living room. This setup makes it easier to spot any concerning behavior and encourages more frequent conversations about digital choices. It also reduces the likelihood of secretive screen time.

Tip #4: Use Parental Controls and Adjust Privacy Settings

 Most devices and apps have parental control features that help block inappropriate content, limit purchases, and manage contact settings. Review the privacy settings on each platform your child uses, and make sure profiles are set to private when possible. You can also filter content based on age level to prevent accidental exposure to harmful material.

Tip #5: Teach Kids to Recognize Online Red Flags

 Finally, take time to explain to your child how to spot suspicious messages, fake links, or scammy pop-ups. Discuss the importance of not clicking on unfamiliar links or sharing passwords.

Be sure to encourage them to come to you if they are unsure about something they see online. Keeping the lines of communication open builds confidence and makes it easier for kids to ask questions.

A Safer Summer Starts at Home

 The internet is a big part of how kids connect, learn, and entertain themselves, especially during summer break. Yet, just like any playground, it needs some supervision.

Using built-in safety tools, encouraging open communication, and setting healthy boundaries can support a more secure and balanced digital experience. Cybersecurity does not have to feel overwhelming. 

A few simple habits can go a long way toward keeping your family safer online. If you need help putting any of these tools or settings in place, we’re just a call away.