Balancing Online Safety with Independence

Free to Be Mindful Podcast | Helping Professional Moms Find Calm in a Busy World

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:

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Free to Be Mindful Podcast episodes are for educational purposes only and should not ...