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Cyber Safe FamiliesParent and Child Digital Safety Program
A Grandparent's Guide to Keeping Kids Safe Online

A Grandparent's Guide to Keeping Kids Safe Online

You do not need to be a tech expert to protect your grandchildren — just the right guidance, in plain language, at your own pace.

The Challenge

Grandparents play an increasingly active role in childcare, yet the technology children use today barely resembles what existed a generation ago. When a grandchild hands over a tablet asking to download a game or wants to video chat with friends, many grandparents feel out of their depth. The fear of doing something wrong — accidentally exposing a child to inappropriate content, falling for a scam, or oversharing photos — can be paralyzing.

How Cyber Safe Families Helps

Your Cyber Safe Family offers workshops designed specifically for grandparents and older caregivers. We break down device settings, privacy controls, and common online threats in clear, patient, jargon-free language. Learn how to safely set up a device before handing it to a grandchild, understand the risks of sharing family photos on social media, recognize scams that target both seniors and children, and feel confident navigating the digital world alongside the young people you love.

Why Choose Cyber Safe Families

Jargon-Free, Patient Instruction

Our facilitators specialize in teaching technology concepts to audiences who did not grow up with the internet. Every term is explained, every step is demonstrated, and questions are always welcome.

Device Setup Made Simple

Learn exactly how to configure parental controls on tablets, smartphones, and gaming devices before your grandchild uses them — with printed reference cards you can keep by the device.

Sharenting and Photo Safety

Understand the hidden risks of posting grandchildren's photos on Facebook and other platforms, including location data, facial recognition, and identity theft, and learn safer ways to share memories.

Scam and Phishing Awareness

Recognize the most common online scams that target both seniors and children — from fake prize notifications to impersonation texts — and learn how to protect your entire family.

Printed Take-Home Guides

Every workshop includes large-print, step-by-step reference guides you can keep at home. No need to remember everything from the session — the guide walks you through each setting at your own pace.

Bridge the Generational Gap

Gain the confidence to have informed conversations about online safety with your grandchildren and their parents, strengthening your role as a trusted caregiver in the digital age.

Frequently Asked Questions

I am not comfortable with technology. Is this workshop for me?
This workshop is especially for you. We designed it for grandparents and older caregivers who did not grow up with smartphones and social media. Our facilitators go at a comfortable pace, use everyday language, and provide printed guides so you never feel lost or rushed.
What will I learn about keeping grandchildren safe online?
You will learn how to set up parental controls on devices your grandchildren use, recognize unsafe apps and websites, understand privacy settings on social media, spot online scams, and have age-appropriate conversations about internet safety. We cover the practical steps you can take today.
Why should grandparents worry about sharing photos online?
Photos shared on social media often contain hidden metadata including location information. They can also be scraped by strangers or used for identity theft. Our workshop teaches you how to share family photos safely — keeping the joy of sharing while protecting your grandchildren's privacy and digital footprint.
Can I attend a workshop online from home?
Yes. All workshops are available via live video call, and we provide simple instructions for joining. Many grandparents prefer the online format because they can follow along on the same device they use at home. Recordings and printed materials are provided after the session.
How do I talk to my grandchildren about online safety?
Our workshops include conversation starters tailored for grandparents. The key is to show genuine curiosity about what your grandchildren do online, ask open-ended questions, and share your own concerns without lecturing. We give you specific phrases and scenarios to practice so the conversations feel natural.
Are there scams that specifically target grandparents?
Yes. The 'grandparent scam' — where a caller pretends to be a grandchild in trouble — is one of the most common fraud schemes targeting older adults. Our workshop covers this and other scams including phishing emails, fake tech support calls, and social media impersonation, with clear steps to verify legitimacy before responding.

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You do not need to be a tech expert to protect your grandchildren — just the right guidance, in plain language, at your own pace.

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