Parents as digital guardians: Rethinking child safety online

Attending the "Child Protection and Safety in the Digital Age" event yesterday made me reflect on the critical role parents play in ensuring their children's online safety. Several important points were raised about the need for more action from platforms, law enforcement, and regulators. One point that particularly resonated with me was the danger of "technologizing" everything—replacing human interactions, real-life experiences, and connections with digital substitutes. While I’m excited about technology and the potential of AI, I’m often reminded that certain types of learning, which should occur in person with real human connections, are being replaced by virtual alternatives. These substitutes simply can’t replicate the value of face-to-face interactions and real-world experiences. It’s especially important for children to maintain these in-person experiences, as most of us adults grew up in a physical world with minimal technology influencing our early development.

I also began to question why parents are often treated as passive bystanders or as individuals who simply need to be educated about online dangers. In the physical world, parents are generally responsible for their children's physical safety. In many countries, it's illegal to leave a child unattended until they reach a certain age. Similarly, it would be irresponsible (and likely illegal) to hand over car keys to a 12-year-old, even if they had been taught how to drive. Yet, it seems acceptable to give phones to children as young as six or seven, with the expectation that platforms will handle their safety.

While some parents are aware of parental controls, I wonder if we, as parents, should be more accountable for our children's online safety—and their behavior online as well. There is, of course, the issue of child privacy—I wouldn’t want to read my child’s personal messages—but how do I ensure they aren't being contacted by online predators? Some may argue that it comes down to trust between parent and child. But when it comes to road safety, for instance, there’s a basic understanding that children shouldn’t cross streets without an adult until they reach a certain age, even if they technically know how. Maturity and cognitive development are required before they can safely do so on their own. Shouldn’t similar standards apply to online experiences?

Some might argue that it’s unfair to hold parents accountable when digital literacy is low and regulations are lacking, and I partly agree. It shouldn’t be the primary concern. However, I strongly believe that we need to emphasize the role of parents as guardians of their children's safety, rather than viewing them as optional educators. It’s not enough for parents to occasionally educate their children about online risks—this should be recognized as a fundamental responsibility.