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A Parent’s Guide to Internet Safety for Kids in Madison, WI: Back to School 2025

The back-to-school season in Madison is upon us, and with it comes a return to digital learning. From Google Classroom assignments to online research and educational apps, the internet is an essential tool for students in the Madison Metropolitan School District and surrounding areas. As our kids increase their screen time for school, it’s the perfect moment for parents to reinforce the principles of online safety for students.

This guide provides actionable steps for Wisconsin parents to ensure their children have a safe and productive online experience this school year.

1. Start with Open Communication: The Foundation of Digital Safety

Technology is a tool, but trust is the foundation. Before you even touch a parental control app, have an open conversation with your child about their online world.

• Discuss the Risks: Talk openly about cyberbullying, inappropriate content, and the importance of not talking to strangers online. Use age-appropriate language.
• Create a No-Shame Pact: Reassure your children they can come to you—without fear of punishment—if they see something that makes them feel scared or uncomfortable. This is the single most important step to keeping them safe.
• Be Curious: Ask them about the games they play and the websites they visit for school. Showing genuine interest builds trust and opens the door for important conversations.

2. Establish Clear Digital Rules for Your Madison Student

Clear, consistent rules create a predictable and safe environment. Work with your child to establish a “Family Media Agreement.”

• Screen Time Boundaries: Set reasonable limits for screen time that differentiate between schoolwork and entertainment.
• “Tech-Free” Zones & Times: Designate areas like the dinner table or bedrooms as “tech-free.” Implement a “digital curfew” an hour before bedtime to improve sleep.
• Keep it Public: For younger children, insist that computers and tablets are used in common areas of the home, like the living room or kitchen, rather than behind a closed door.

3. Lock Down Privacy and Implement Parental Controls

Teaching online privacy for children is a critical life skill. Combine education with the technical tools available.

• Protect Personal Information: Teach your kids to NEVER share personal details like their full name, home address, school name (e.g., “Memorial High School” vs. “my school”), or phone number online.
• Use Parental Control Software: Modern operating systems (Windows, macOS, iOS, Android) have built-in parental controls. You can also use services like Bark or Qustodio to filter inappropriate content, manage screen time, and monitor for signs of cyberbullying.
• Readily Available Software: Microsoft Family Safety:.This free service is integrated with Windows and offers features like screen time limits, content filtering, and activity reporting. It allows parents to manage app access, set screen time limits, and monitor activity across multiple devices.  Google Family Link:.Primarily designed for Android, it also offers some PC functionality like app management and screen time limits. 
• Review App & Game Settings: Go through the privacy and security settings on every new app or game your child uses. Disable location sharing and limit data collection wherever possible.

4. How to Handle Cyberbullying and Online Conflict

Cyberbullying prevention starts with empathy. Teach your children the “Grandma Rule”: if you wouldn’t say it to your grandma, don’t say it online.

• Document Everything: Teach your child to take screenshots of any bullying messages or posts.
• Don’t Engage: Responding to bullies often escalates the situation.
• Block and Report: Show them how to block the bully and report the behavior on the platform (e.g., TikTok, Instagram, Roblox) and to a trusted adult. Many Madison area schools have specific protocols for reporting cyberbullying that affects students.
• https://www.madison.k12.wi.us/families/bullying-resources

Local & National Resources for Wisconsin Parents

You’re not in this alone. Utilize these authoritative resources:

• NetSmartz Workshop: An interactive educational program from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) that provides age-appropriate resources for kids and parents.
• FTC Consumer Advice: The Federal Trade Commission offers practical tips for protecting kids online.
• Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD): Refer to the district’s website for detailed policies and resources related to student technology use and digital citizenship.
• Link To MMSD: https://www.madison.k12.wi.us/

By being proactive and engaged, parents in Madison can empower their children to navigate the digital world with confidence and safety. Make this conversation a regular part of your back-to-school routine, and you’ll be setting your child up for success, both online and off.

Have a successful and rewarding school year!

From your friends at King’s Kids Academy Madison