Don’t let new devices compromise teens’ online safety

Picture this: the living room is buzzing with holiday energy, the tree twinkles in the corner and kids tear open wrapping paper to reveal the newest smartphones, watches, tablets or gaming consoles. Their faces light up with excitement as they power on their devices, eager to connect with friends, explore apps and dive into online games.

It’s a familiar scene in homes across Arizona. But while the joy is undeniable, so are the online safety risks. A new device doesn’t just connect kids to friends, games and learning. It can also connect them to an online world full of potential dangers. That’s why the holiday season, when new devices in the house are common, is also one of the most important times for parents to focus on online safety.

The rising concerns of digital parenting

According to a recent Connecting the Digital Dots survey, parents are feeling this pressure. In fact, 86% of adults in the “sandwich generation” — those balancing the care of both teens and aging parents — say managing online safety for their loved ones adds stress to their lives, with 30% describing it as overwhelming.

Their concerns aren’t misplaced. Parents cite fears around online predators, inappropriate content and cyberbullying as the top worries for their teens. It’s no wonder that 58% of parents discuss online safety with their children several times a week or even daily. Despite these efforts, the risks remain very real.

Teens are always on but not always safe

Being connected is a way of life for today’s teens. Yet, that constant connection takes a toll. The survey revealed that more than a quarter of teens feel stressed, anxious or isolated due to constant connectivity. Even more concerning, a third of teens believe social media is the greatest risk to their online safety, though it’s also what they use their devices for most. Add to that the rise of misleading content, with more than 20% of teens reporting they’ve experienced mis/disinformation online in the past year.

Young people are having to navigate a digital landscape full of minefields. The good news? Teens aren’t closed off to help. Most will turn to a parent, trusted adult or tech support when they run into safety concerns.

Encouragingly, 71% said they would welcome learning more about online safety in a structured setting like a workshop or classroom. For parents, this presents an invaluable opportunity to have more meaningful conversations.

So how do parents bridge the gap between concern and action, especially during the holidays when new devices bring fresh challenges? Here are my suggestions:

Start with security basics

Before your child gets too deep into their device, sit down together and review privacy settings, app permissions and location services. Encourage strong, unique passwords and explain why they matter. This not only protects your child but also empowers them to take ownership of their safety.

Look beyond your home network

While online safety for teens starts at home, it doesn’t stop there. Teens often connect through school systems, public Wi-Fi or apps suggested by friends. Teaching them to spot “HTTPS” in website URLs, use trusted sources and adjust privacy controls is crucial.

Encourage mindful sharing

Remind your teen that even small details, like a tagged photo or a real-time post about their location, can reveal more than they realize. Help them develop the habit of thinking before they share.

Talk about misinformation and artificial intelligence 

Teens are early adopters of generative AI, often using it for schoolwork or personal advice. But AI tools can spread inaccurate or misleading information. Teaching kids to double-check facts and cross-reference sources is a skill that will serve them for life.

Promote respectful communication

If your child wouldn’t say something in person, they shouldn’t say it online. Conversations about integrity, empathy and reporting harmful behavior can reduce the impact of cyberbullying and create a healthier online culture.

Build trust through conversation

Of course, technology alone isn’t the answer. Teens need to know their parents are approachable and available. Keep conversations about online safety regular and honest by asking open-ended questions like: What do you enjoy most about being online? What apps make you feel unsafe? How does social media affect how you see yourself?

These conversations may feel awkward at first, but they build trust and give kids the confidence to reach out when something doesn’t feel right. Just as importantly, they send a powerful message that online safety is not just a set of rules. It’s a shared responsibility.

Susan Anable is an expert in online and digital safety. Please submit comments at yourvalley.net/letters or email them to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.