By Susan Anable | Thoughts on Innovation
June is Internet Safety Month, a perfect opportunity for parents to take stock of how our children are engaging with technology and how they can better support safer digital habits at home.
For many kids, a smartphone isn’t just a phone. It’s a gateway to everything from schoolwork and friendships to entertainment and self-expression. But just like we wouldn’t send our children out into the world without talking about road safety or avoiding dangerous situations, we shouldn’t send them online without some guidance.
Cox Mobile’s, Generation Screen: Parenting and Mobile Safety survey offers some eye-opening insights. Most parents are involved; 75% check their child’s screen time, texts, or calls, and 65% have frequent conversations about mobile safety.
Still, challenges persist. Seventy-three percent say their kids are skilled at hiding online activity. More than half (56%) say their children have location sharing turned on, sometimes unknowingly. Even more troubling, 31% say their child has been contacted by a stranger via their mobile device, and 28% said the stranger referenced the child’s location.
So how can parents take action?
Make digital safety part of everyday conversations.
This doesn’t have to be a one-time lecture. Instead, ask open-ended questions like, “What’s your favorite app?” or “Can you show me how this game works?” Keep it low-pressure and show genuine curiosity, not judgment. Creating a safe space for these discussions increases the likelihood that kids will come to you if they experience something concerning.
Review privacy settings together.
Take time to explore the privacy and location settings on your child’s apps and devices. Many platforms default to public sharing or location tracking. Teach your kids how to turn those settings off and explain why it matters.
Set expectations with a family tech agreement.
A family technology agreement can be an empowering way to build mutual trust. Consider writing down shared guidelines for device use, such as not downloading new apps without permission, sharing account passwords with a parent, and including parents on social media accounts—even backup or private ones. These aren’t rules for the sake of control, they’re guidelines for safety and digital well-being.
Monitor regularly, with care.
While some parents may hesitate to monitor their child’s phone activity, regular check-ins on screen time, messages, and app permissions are another form of parental care. Checking your child’s phone shouldn’t feel like a “gotcha” moment. It’s about making sure they’re safe. Let them know that monitoring is part of how you help them stay protected online, just like you’d keep an eye on them at the park.
Know where to find help.
Reliable resources like Common Sense Media provide tools, conversation starters, and safety guides for families. As part of our commitment to digital wellness, Cox offers free mobile safety tools and tips at www.coxmobilesafety.com.
Helping our kids grow up tech-savvy and safe isn’t about fear, it’s about preparation. When we create space for open dialogue, set clear expectations, and stay involved, we give our kids the confidence to make smart choices in a connected world.
Editor’s Note: Susan Anable is Phoenix Market Vice President, Cox Communications. Photo is courtesy of Cox.
