Safer Internet Day 2026
February 10th is Safer Internet Day, an annual global initiative that encourages parents, schools, organisations, and children to think more carefully about how we use the online world. Using the internet safely goes beyond technical safety such as privacy settings and avoiding scams, but also includes emotional safety.
Many teens and children today access the online world through play and games. Online games like Roblox are hugely popular with younger children because they are creative, social, and fun. However, these platforms also include features such as live chat, user-generated content, and interactions with people they don’t know. Even when a game looks child-friendly, the social experiences within it can sometimes be overwhelming or confusing for young people.
Children are still learning how to understand emotions, handle conflict, and make sense of social dynamics. Experiences such as being excluded from a game, encountering unkind language, being pressured to spend money, or receiving messages from strangers can affect a child’s confidence, mood, and sense of safety. Often, children don’t have the words to explain what’s wrong. Instead, they may simply seem upset, withdrawn, or reluctant to play.
This is where parents play a very important role. Supporting children online doesn’t necessarily mean banning games or watching over their shoulder constantly. Instead, it’s about creating safe boundaries and open conversations.
There are several practical steps parents can take to support their children accessing the internet safely:
Safety tools and settings. Many games and platforms have built-in safety tools, often allowing parents to adjust privacy settings, limit who can communicate with their child, disable chat features, and control spending. These settings can help create a safer environment that matches your child’s age and emotional development.
Clear and consistent digital boundaries. This might include limits on screen time, encouraging breaks, or keeping gaming in shared family spaces. Boundaries help children regulate their emotions and prevent online experiences from becoming overwhelming.
Talk to your child about their online world and show curiosity. Ask simple, open questions like: What games do you like playing? Who do you play with? How does it make you feel? Let them know they can always come to you if something online feels scary, unfair, or uncomfortable, and reassure them that they won’t get in trouble for being honest.
Teaching how to enforce boundaries. Teaching children how to mute, block, or report other players can also be empowering. These tools give children a sense of control and show them that they have the right to protect themselves online.
On Safer Internet Day, we are reminded that while we cannot eliminate risk entirely, we can help children build confidence, resilience, and safety online through collaboration, education, and support. By combining practical strategies with emotional support, parents can help ensure that online games remain a source of fun, creativity, and connection without compromising mental wellbeing.
If you or a loved one is experiencing mental health difficulties and need someone to talk to, consider talking to your GP for referral pathways to a mental health professional, or reach out to a mental health professional directly. The numbers below can also provide support when needing someone to talk to. In an emergency, always call 000.
Lifeline - 13 11 14 Kids Helpline - 1800 55 1800 Beyond Blue - 1300 224 636 Mensline - 1300 78 99 78
QLife (LGBTQI+ Support) - 1800 184 527 13YARN (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Support) - 13 92 76
Please note: the information above is a summary and a guide only and should not replace proper medical care and guidance.