The conversation should grow with the child.
There is no single settings checklist that fits every child. Choose an age range, then adjust for maturity, independence and the services they actually use.
Start where the child is now.
Each guide gives parents the risk pattern, warning signs, practical actions, conversation prompts and official Canadian sources for that age range. Move up or down a range when a child is more independent, more vulnerable or using older platforms.
Shared play and simple rules
For young children using family devices, video apps, simple games and school links with close adult supervision.
Open this guide → Ages 8-10Practise safety skills
For children starting multiplayer games, friend lists, private servers, class chats and first personal accounts.
Open this guide → Ages 11-12Prepare for social pressure
For tweens moving between games, group chats, short-form video, livestreams and early social spaces.
Open this guide → Ages 13-15Name sextortion directly
For teens facing image requests, screenshots, impersonation, private messaging and financial threats.
Open this guide → Ages 16-17Independence with a safety net
For older teens navigating dating, work, school, money, travel, relationships and helping friends.
Open this guide →These local guides provide a practical starting point and link families to current specialist guidance from the Canadian Centre for Child Protection, Cybertip.ca, NeedHelpNow.ca and public-safety resources.