In today’s connected world, your child is likely to use a smartphone, tablet, or computer before they even learn how to tie their shoelaces. From YouTube and TikTok to online games and school portals, the internet has become an essential part of growing up. But with these digital benefits come serious risks: cyberbullying, online predators, adult content, screen addiction, and privacy breaches.
As a Sri Lankan parent, you may wonder: “How do I let my kids enjoy technology without putting them in danger?”
Here’s your ultimate, practical guide to keeping your kids safe online in 2025.
🛡️ 1. Start with Open Communication
The first step isn’t technology—it’s trust.
- Talk to your kids about their favorite apps, games, and websites.
- Encourage them to come to you if something feels “weird” or makes them uncomfortable.
- Set age-appropriate boundaries and screen time rules with them, not against them.
📌 Tip: Let them teach you about their apps—it builds connection and gives you insight.
📱 2. Use Parental Control Tools Wisely
Don’t block everything—guide everything.
Top Parental Control Apps Available in Sri Lanka:
- Google Family Link (Android): Set time limits, approve apps, track usage
- Apple Screen Time (iPhone/iPad): Restrict content, monitor screen time, block adult websites
- Microsoft Family Safety (Windows, Xbox): Filter content and location tracking
- Qustodio / Norton Family / Kaspersky Safe Kids: Cross-platform with more detailed insights
🧠 Pro Tip: Always tell your kids you’ve installed a monitoring app. Hidden tracking can damage trust.
🌐 3. Teach Them About Online Strangers & Scams
Even if you block strangers, your child might still see dangerous messages in games, DMs, or group chats.
Teach them to:
- Never share personal info (school name, phone number, address)
- Ignore and report suspicious messages
- Say NO to video chats or calls from strangers
📌 Use role-playing to simulate real-life online situations. It makes lessons stick.
🧠 4. Be Smart About YouTube and TikTok
These platforms are a double-edged sword.
- Turn on Restricted Mode on YouTube
- Enable Digital Wellbeing on TikTok
- Supervise viewing history regularly
- Recommend safe alternatives: YouTube Kids, Netflix Kids, or curated Sri Lankan educational apps
📌 Did you know? You can block specific YouTube channels by reporting them repeatedly or using browser extensions.
🧩 5. Choose the Right Devices & Browsers
Some tools are safer than others:
- Use Google Chrome’s SafeSearch filter
- Try Samsung Kids Mode or Amazon Fire Tablets with parental dashboards
- Opt for family-friendly smart TVs with restricted YouTube access
📱 Budget tip: Many Sri Lankan telcos now offer family data packages with built-in child restrictions.
🕵️♂️ 6. Monitor Social Media the Right Way
Instead of banning it, guide their experience.
- Keep profiles private
- Only accept real-life friends
- Turn off location sharing in apps like Instagram and Snapchat
- Check follower lists and comments occasionally
🧠 Important: Respect their privacy while still being involved. Let them know you’re looking out, not spying.
🎮 7. Safe Gaming Guidelines for Kids
Online games are fun—but can expose kids to violence, gambling mechanics, and strangers.
Steps to protect them:
- Use platforms like Roblox, Minecraft, Fortnite with parental settings enabled
- Disable voice chat or limit it to friends only
- Set daily screen time for gaming
- Choose age-appropriate games (PEGI 7–12 recommended for under 13)
📌 Did You Know? The Sri Lanka CERT has published guidance on safe gaming for kids.
🔄 8. Set Healthy Screen Time Habits
Balance is everything:
- Create tech-free zones (e.g., dinner table, bedrooms after 9 PM)
- Use tools like Google Family Link to set daily time limits
- Encourage offline hobbies: books, cycling, music, sports
📆 Try a “Tech-Free Sunday Challenge” as a family. You’ll be surprised how fun it can be!
🧭 Final Advice for Sri Lankan Parents
- Don’t panic. Learn and adapt.
- Keep the conversation going.
- Use tech as a tool—not a babysitter.
The internet is here to stay, and your kids will grow up with it. But with your support and the right tools, they can become not just safe users—but smart, responsible digital citizens.
💬 If you found this guide helpful, share it with fellow parents and join our LankaFix Tech Tips community for more digital safety advice.
Written by the LankaFix Editorial Team
Visit www.lankafix.com/tech-tips-trends for more tips on tech, parenting, and digital wellness.
