Balancing Online Safety with Independence

Welcome to The Consult a Counselor Series, a special segment of the Free to Be Mindful Podcast. Join therapist and host Vanessa De Jesus Guzman, LPC, NCC, as she answers real-life parenting questions to help you find your calm in the chaos of parenting—and not lose your, well… you know.



TODAY'S QUESTION:

"How do I protect my child from online dangers while still giving them independence?"



Your child begs for more screen time. They want their own social media account and insist that everyone in their class has unlimited internet access. Meanwhile, your mind jumps to all the online dangers—strangers, inappropriate content, cyberbullying—the list goes on. So how do you strike the balance between keeping them safe and giving them the independence they crave?

In this episode, Vanessa shares how to teach kids to navigate the digital world safely rather than simply blocking access. She explains why making mistakes while they still have your guidance is key to long-term digital responsibility. From setting age-appropriate boundaries to helping kids think critically before they post, this episode provides practical, real-life strategies to keep kids safe online without creating unnecessary fear.



TUNE IN TO LEARN:

How to have open conversations about online safety without using fear-based tactics
Age-appropriate internet boundaries for kids, tweens, and teens
The “Grandma Rule” for deciding what’s safe to post
Why parental controls are helpful—but not a replacement for real conversations
The importance of role-playing online safety scenarios with your child
How to encourage kids to come to you without fear of punishment


LINKED EPISODES:

How to Set Up iPhone Parental Controls: https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast/237
How Young is Too Young for a Phone: https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast/235
Benefits to My Child Having an Email Address: https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast/239


ADDITIONAL RESOURCE:

Vanessa also shares a must-have book for educators,

Send us a text


120 COPING SKILLS
https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast-120copingskills


CULTIVATE CALM CHALLENGE
https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast-cultivatingcalmchallenge


SUBMIT QUESTIONS for CONSULT A COUNSELOR:
https://qrco.de/consultacounselor


WATCH THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE:
https://www.youtube.com/@counselorvdejesus


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Website: https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast
All Social Channels: @counselorvdejesus


DISCLAIMER:
Free to Be Mindful Podcast episodes are for educational purposes only and should not be considered as or substituted for therapy or professional help from a licensed clinician.