The holiday season is a time for family, joy, and a well-deserved break from the daily grind. For children, it means more time to relax, play, and explore—often online. However, as screen time increases during the holidays, so does the potential for encountering online risks. From exposure to inappropriate content to falling victim to cyberbullying or scams, the digital world can pose challenges that require proactive measures to ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday break. 

Increased Online Activity, Increased Risks 

During the holidays, children’s online activity spikes, with more time spent on social media, streaming platforms, online games, and video calls with friends and family. According to Common Sense Media, screen time for tweens increased by 38%, and even more so during school breaks. This increased connectivity creates opportunities for entertainment and learning but also heightens exposure to online risks. 

Cyberbullying, for instance, remains a pressing concern, with more than a third of young people reporting harassment online, according to a UNICEF poll. Additionally, the FBI warns that reports of child exploitation online surge during holiday breaks, as predators often take advantage of unsupervised screen time. 

Practical Steps to Keep Children Safe Online 

The digital landscape can be daunting for parents, but there are practical steps to mitigate risks and promote safe online habits: 

  1. Open Conversations About Online Safety: A survey by Microsoft found that only 50% of parents frequently discuss online safety with their children. Encouraging open dialogue can help bridge this gap. Discuss the importance of not sharing personal information, recognizing inappropriate behaviour, and reporting anything that makes them uncomfortable. 
  2. Set Boundaries for Screen Time: Establish limits on daily screen use to ensure a healthy balance between online and offline activities. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children aged 5 and older have consistent limits on the amount of daily screen time, tailored to ensure sufficient sleep, physical activity, and other healthful habits. 
  3. Monitor Online Activity: Utilize parental controls to filter inappropriate content and monitor your child’s online interactions. With Netsweeper’s Internet Parental Controls, it monitors children’s access to inappropriate websites and content while using laptops, tablets, phones, and other smart devices. If you like many other parents are having a difficult time monitoring and balancing your child’s online activity, book a demo with one of our solution experts to see how we can help you create a safe and secure online environment for your family.  
  4. Be Aware of Popular Apps and Games
    In 2023, the online gaming industry reported that over 60% of children interacted with strangers while playing games, a potentially dangerous trend. Stay informed about the platforms and games your children are using. Many games and apps include social features that could expose them to strangers or harmful content. 
  5. Teach Responsible Digital Citizenship
    Emphasize the importance of kindness, respect, and accountability online. According to the Pew Research Center, 27% of teens report frequently seeing others stand up for victims of cyberbullying, while 20% often witness peers intervening to stop mean behavior. Holiday downtime is a great opportunity to discuss how to interact responsibly in digital spaces. 

How Netsweeper Can Help 

Netsweeper’s advanced web filtering solutions are designed to create safe online environments for children. By blocking harmful content, phishing attempts, and inappropriate websites in real-time, Netsweeper empowers parents, schools, and organizations to protect young users from online threats. 

Our technology also provides insights into online behaviours, enabling early detection of potential risks such as cyberbullying or exposure to harmful content. For example, our platform is used by thousands of schools globally, filtering billions of web requests daily to ensure safe online learning environments for students. With Netsweeper, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing your children are safe online during the holiday break. 

A Season of Safe Connectivity 

As the digital world becomes increasingly integrated into our lives, ensuring children’s safety online is more important than ever—especially during the holidays when their screen time peaks. By taking proactive steps and leveraging tools like Netsweeper, you can help create a secure, enriching online experience for your children, allowing them to enjoy the magic of the season while staying protected. 

Let’s make this holiday break a time for joy, connection, and safety—both online and offline. 

For more tips and insights, follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter. Stay updated with the latest advice on digital safety, parenting in the digital age, and more!