Speak Up, Stay Safe: Raising Bold & Wise Digital Children 📢

#ParentingInsight #FocusFriday

TL;DR: We wrapped up our digital safety and etiquette series with a powerful principle: Speak up when something feels wrong online. It’s not snitching. It’s training. And this small habit could make a big difference.

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"Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute."
— Proverbs 31:8 (NIV)

God calls His people to speak up for what’s right, even when it’s hard. And yes, even when your sibling is watching something suspicious when they think no one’s looking. Learning to speak up starts at home—with small steps of courage and conversations that build trust.

This Week’s Highlights

Our final tech wisdom principle this month:
→ Speak up when something feels wrong.

• We discussed why speaking up matters (even when it’s awkward).

• We looked at storybook moments where something felt wrong (and someone spoke up).

• One child confessed something they saw and didn’t report earlier (growth moment!).

• Another took the principle to heart and “told on” their sibling... lovingly. Dad investigated. 😅

Storytime Stack

• Goldilocks: A Hashtag Cautionary Tale by Jeanne Willis – Hilarious take on why privacy matters

• Clicker the Cat by Kyla Cullinane – Cheerful story on unplugging and choosing real-life fun

• The Berenstain Bears’ Computer Trouble by Jan Berenstain – A screen takeover Papa Bear handles wisely

• The Internet is Like a Puddle by Shona Innes – Simple metaphor showing online risks aren't always obvious

Activity Highlight

We played Reality River (by Google’s Interland)—a clever game about spotting fake or suspicious content and speaking up. It was a hit, though more appropriate for 8+!

Looking Back & Moving Forward

✅ Each child completed a “Living Safely Online” tracker for the month
✅ We finalized our Family Online Safety Plan (just need those final signatures!)
✅ Next up: a fun quiz and treats to mark the end of our digital safety series

We’ve laid some solid foundations this month but this isn’t the end. Next month, we switch gears to critical thinking and media choices. Because the internet doesn’t get easier; they just get older.

Checklist: Coaching Children to Speak Up Online

• Have I explained why speaking up when something feels wrong is wise?

• Do my children feel safe and heard when they raise concerns?

• Have we practiced real-life “What would you do if…” situations?

• Am I modeling openness by sharing how I respond when something feels off online?

• Have I reminded them that using their voice is a sign of wisdom, not weakness?

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Action Step

Set aside 15–20 minutes this weekend to:

• Review your family’s online safety plan together

• Ask your children what they’ve learned about speaking up

• Play a short scenario quiz (bonus: offer treats for participation!)

This isn’t just about digital safety. It’s about practising courage, wisdom, and truth—even in the digital world.

Let’s raise voices that protect, not just express. 💬