Cyber Safety 101: Teaching Kids about Online Rules
Understanding the Legal Side — What Parents Should Know
Parents don’t need to be legal experts, but having a basic understanding of how online behaviour connects to the law can make a huge difference.
When Online Actions Become a Legal Issue
Many children don’t realise that what they do online can have real consequences. A few common examples:
Cyberbullying: In Canada, harassment, threats, or repeatedly sending hurtful messages can be charged under the Criminal Code. Sharing private photos or spreading rumours may also count as criminal harassment.
Sharing Images: Posting or forwarding intimate photos — even between teens — can break child exploitation laws. Parents should have open conversations about consent, privacy, and digital footprints.
Online Impersonation: Creating fake accounts or accessing someone else’s profile without permission can be considered identity fraud or mischief.
When Family Law Comes Into Play
Online behaviour can also affect family matters, especially in cases involving co-parenting or custody. For example:
If one parent or child posts harmful content about another family member, it can be raised in custody discussions.
Courts in Alberta often expect parents to show they are supervising their child’s digital activity responsibly.
Consistent, respectful communication between co-parents online can demonstrate cooperation — something judges view positively in parenting arrangements.
“Digital communication leaves a record, and those records are often used as evidence in both criminal and family proceedings”, says Khalid Akram, a Calgary Criminal Lawyer. “Even deleted messages can be retrieved, which means families should treat online communication with the same care as written correspondence. A respectful digital trail can make a difference in court”.
Making Cyber Safety Fun for Kids
Let’s face it - lectures about “internet rules” don’t work. But turn those lessons into games, challenges, or team goals, and kids will actually remember them! The trick is to make safety feel like part of normal family life, not a list of restrictions.
Here are some easy, fun ways to teach online awareness at home:
“Pause Before You Post” Game: Before your child shares something online, ask three questions together — Is it kind? Is it true? Would I say this in person?
Family Internet Hour: Set aside one evening a week to explore online content together. Celebrate good examples of kindness or creativity you find as a team.
Emoji Check-In: Have kids describe how they felt about their online day using emojis. It opens the door to talking about what went well or what made them uncomfortable.
Reward Responsible Choices: Positive reinforcement works wonders — whether it’s praise, a high-five, or a fun privilege for being thoughtful online.
Building a Positive Online Reputation Early
Start with Simple Conversations
Talk to your child about how every post, comment, and photo adds to their “digital footprint”. It’s not about scaring them — it’s about showing them that what they share builds their online story. Ask questions like:
How do you want your friends, teachers, or coaches to see you online?
Would you be proud to show this post to Grandma or your future self?
Explain Why It Matters
Future opportunities: Schools, employers, and sports programs sometimes look at social media to understand character and behaviour.
Legal impact: In some cases, online posts or messages can become evidence in court — even for teens. That’s why honesty, kindness, and privacy matter from the start.
Community respect: Being thoughtful online builds trust. When kids see themselves as part of a digital community, they’re more likely to use technology for good.
When to Step In — Parental Responsibilities and Boundaries
What to Do if Your Child Is Being Bullied or Threatened Online
Stay calm and listen: Your child needs reassurance before advice. Let them know they did the right thing by telling you.
Save the evidence: Take screenshots of messages, comments, or images. These records can be vital if the situation escalates.
Report it: Most platforms have built-in tools for reporting bullying or harassment. If there’s a serious threat or ongoing harm, contact your local police or school administration.
If Your Child Is the One in Trouble
Sometimes kids make mistakes — they forward a mean message, post something private, or get involved in a group chat that crosses a line. Instead of reacting with punishment, focus on understanding what happened and teaching accountability.
Explain why the action was wrong, and how it may have hurt others.
Encourage them to apologise or make amends when possible.
Remind them that while the internet feels anonymous, the law still applies.
When to Seek Professional Guidance
Family lawyers can explain how online behaviour may affect co-parenting or custody discussions.
Mediators can help separated parents create clear agreements about children’s screen time and social media use.
Counsellors and youth therapists can guide kids through feelings of anxiety or guilt tied to online experiences.
“When online issues begin to affect parenting or communication between separated spouses, it’s time to get legal advice”, says Numan B, a Lawyer at Bluetown Law. “Courts in Alberta now treat digital communication as a key part of a parent’s overall conduct. Being respectful and cautious online isn’t just good etiquette — it can directly influence the outcome of custody or access decisions”.
Parent’s Mini Cyber Safety Checklist
Print it out, post it on the fridge, or save it on your phone for quick reference!
Everyday Habits
Talk about what’s okay to share online — and what should stay private.
Encourage your child to “pause before posting”.
Remind kids not to share passwords or personal info (address, school name, phone number).
Review friend requests together and discuss online strangers.
Praise your child for showing kindness and respect in online spaces.
Monthly Habits
Review app downloads, privacy settings, and friend lists together.
Check for updates on devices and apps to keep them secure.
Talk about any uncomfortable or confusing experiences online.
Refresh passwords and use two-factor authentication whenever possible.
If Something Goes Wrong
Stay calm — focus on listening first.
Save screenshots or evidence of harmful messages.
Report serious threats to the platform or, if needed, to Edmonton Police.
Reach out to support networks like Kids Help Phone or The Family Centre.
