Strong Digital Boundaries, Safer Connections
Know2Protect’s #DigitalBoundaries campaign encourages families to use extended time off — such as summer break, holidays and vacations — to set healthy online boundaries, especially when kids and teens may have more free time to spend on their devices. This initiative is a vital part of DHS’s drive to educate and empower kids, teens, parents and trusted adults to prevent and combat online child sexual exploitation and abuse all year long!
Recognize Online Addiction
Addiction doesn't always involve substances; rather, it can manifest through excessive use of digital platforms and devices. When screen time begins to affect sleep, relationships, focus or emotional well-being, it may be a sign of a deeper issue. Recognizing this addiction is crucial to support healthy online habits and create a more balanced relationship with technology.
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Online Addiction is a Thing
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Recognizing online addiction is crucial to support healthy online habits. Download and share, "Online Addiction is a Thing" with the kids and teens in your life.
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Understanding Online Addiction in Kids and Teens
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Addiction isn't limited to substances; it can also appear as excessive use of digital platforms and devices. Learn to recognize the signs in kids and teens.
Gaming and Social Media Safety
Extended time off — such as summer break, holidays and vacations — means kids may spend more time gaming. Not every online interaction is safe. Take time to talk to kids and teens about how to enjoy gaming while avoiding online risks. Set expectations early so play stays positive.
- Research games and platforms to better understand the content and communities your child engages in.
- Set time limits to avoid unhealthy screen habits.
- Review game maturity ratings to ensure content is age appropriate.
- Encourage open conversations about who they’re playing with and what’s being shared.
Stay connected to their digital world so gaming stays fun, positive and safe all year long.
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Gaming Safety
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Discuss online gaming safety with kids and teens to avoid potential dangers and ensure digital safety.
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Social Media and Online Gaming
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Share this checklist with kids and teens to help them protect their privacy, avoid common risks and make smart choices online.
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Top 10 Tips2Protect for Teens
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From scrolling through social media to online gaming, this resource helps teens learn how to stay safe online.
Know the Threats to Protect Kids and Teens
Knowing the threats kids and teens face online helps adults recognize warning signs and respond early. From sexting risks like peer pressure, legal consequences and the permanency of data to predators posing as friends, peers or trusted adults, awareness is the first step to staying safe.
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Sexting Dangers
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Have open discussions with kids and teens so they can make safer, more informed decisions online and be aware of the consequences of sexting.
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How2Spot Online Predators
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Online predators can pose as friends, peers or trusted adults. Help kids and teens learn how to recognize the warning signs and take action to stay safe online.
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Tips2Identify Fake Profiles
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Kids and teens can help protect themselves from online predators by learning how to spot fake profiles.
Start the Conversations with Kids and Teens
Starting open, supportive conversations with kids and teens builds trust and encourages healthy digital habits. These discussions can help young people feel respected, empowered and safe speaking up about difficult online experiences, including exploitation or abuse.
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Have the Talk
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Learn how to build healthy digital boundaries by setting clear guidelines and fostering honest conversations.
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How2Talk to Survivors
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Get practical tips for talking with survivors, especially during seasonal breaks when kids and teens may face greater risk of encountering online predators.
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Top 10 Tips2Protect for Parents and Trusted Adults
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Discover tips to help kids and teens set digital boundaries, build safer online habits and protect their privacy while they're connected.
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#DigitalBoundaries Social Media Toolkit
Check out the #DigitalBoundaries Toolkit built to promote stronger digital habits. Use the toolkit to share important messages with kids, teens and families.
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Pause Before You Post
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Pause before you post. Learn more about online dangers and how to stay safe.
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Pause, Take a Step Back and Recharge
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Pause, take a step back and recharge. Find out more about online risks and how to protect yourself.
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Top 10 Tips2Protect for Teens
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Before you dive into endless hours of online fun, you need to know how to stay safe online. Check out and share the tips.