Jobi George is a Lead Digital Customer Growth professional for AT&T and the Internet Editor for TechBuzz by AT&T.

In a world of constant device usage with <a href="https://www.att.com/blog/remote-work-setup-for-beginners" target="_blank" rel="noopener">remote work</a>, social media scrolling, browsing, and smart homes, even a brief power outage can feel like a big deal. That’s why knowing how to get internet during a power outage is crucial.
Even if your provider’s network is still up, your modem or router still needs electricity to deliver Wi-Fi throughout your home.
Without power, everything from attending work meetings to keeping in touch with family is harder. It’s not impossible—you can still get internet during a power outage by:
<ul>
<li>Using your smartphone as a hotspot</li>
<li>Having a portable hotspot device on standby</li>
<li>Setting up 5G or 4G backup through your internet provider</li>
<li>Investing in an emergency power supply (backup battery or generator)</li>
<li>Using public Wi-Fi until power returns</li>
</ul>
Some of these solutions are best for short outages; others work better for longer ones. Either way, you can feel more confident about how to get Wi-Fi during a power outage.
<h2 id="first-steps-to-confirm-the-outage">First steps to confirm the outage</h2>
The moment you lose your Wi-Fi signal and the lights go out, it’s time to investigate. First, figure out what caused the outage so you know what to do next.
<ul>
<li>Check your breaker – Head to the breaker box to see if any circuit breakers have flipped. It’s possible that only a section of your home has lost power. If you tripped the breaker in the room where your Wi-Fi router is located, simply flipping it back on may fix your problem. If all your breakers are still in the “On” position, you may be dealing with a wider outage.</li>
<li>Check with your utility provider – Use your smartphone (which may still have a cellular connection) to check your utility provider’s website or <a href="https://www.att.com/features/myatt-app/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">app</a> to view the outage map and see if your area is affected. If it is, you’ve likely found the reason for your power loss.</li>
<li>Check with your internet service provider (ISP) – In some cases, a small-scale power outage may not affect the wider network, but local equipment can still lose power. However, your network may also be down, especially if there’s severe weather or another emergency. To double-check, use the mobile data on your phone or tablet to visit your ISP’s outage page or app.</li>
</ul>
Once you know what caused the outage, take action. Ultimately, your goal is to restore power to the essential components of your Wi-Fi setup—your modem, router, and (if you have fiber) your optical network terminal (ONT).
Also, prioritize charging your phone and any <a href="https://www.att.com/buy/accessories/browse/chargers/portable-chargers" target="_blank" rel="noopener">power banks</a>—you never know how long an outage will last.
The good news is that there are several ways to regain an internet connection, even if you don’t have backup power for your home internet gear.
<h2 id="use-your-phone-as-a-hotspot">Use your phone as a hotspot</h2>
Since your <a href="https://www.att.com/buy/phones/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">smartphone</a> may still be able to connect to the cellular network during an outage, use it to create a temporary Wi-Fi hotspot. Connect your devices to it—like a laptop or <a href="https://www.att.com/buy/tablets" target="_blank" rel="noopener">tablet</a>.
To turn on your personal hotspot, navigate to your phone’s settings, locate the hotspot option, and enable it. Now your phone is basically acting like a Wi-Fi router. Devices with the correct password can connect.
Because an open hotspot is easy for others to join, it’s wise to secure yours with a strong password. Choose a password that can’t be easily guessed and share it only with trusted people.
Protecting your personal hotspot matters because everything connected to it uses your mobile data. Even if you’re the only one using your hotspot, you can quickly burn through your monthly data allowance.
Depending on your plan, you could incur fees or face slowed-down speeds if you exceed your limit. To avoid burning through all your data in a single day without power, here’s how to lower data usage during a power outage:
<ul>
<li>Limit streaming, gaming, and other non-essential tasks</li>
<li>Close unnecessary apps</li>
<li>Turn on your phone’s data-saver mode</li>
<li>Connect only essential devices (like your work laptop)</li>
<li>Set a data cap or a high-usage warning</li>
<li>Monitor your data usage frequently</li>
</ul>
When you keep an eye on hotspot usage, you can get through the outage and still have data left for the rest of the month.
If your mobile data is limited, consider a few alternatives.
<h2 id="use-a-portable-hotspot-or-5g-4g-backup">Use a portable hotspot or 5G/4G backup</h2>
Another quick fix is to have a backup internet solution readily available. These solutions take a little planning, so if your power is on right now, consider:
<ul>
<li>A <a href="https://www.att.com/buy/connected-devices-and-more/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">portable hotspot</a> – A dedicated device that creates a backup Wi-Fi connection is often more dependable than your smartphone’s hotspot. Hotspots rely on a separate SIM card with a data plan you can use quickly during an outage as long as the device is charged. Many portable hotspots can last longer than a phone hotspot session and may offer a stronger signal.</li>
<li>A 5G or 4G internet backup – Some ISPs offer plans with automatic failover. If your power goes out and your internet drops, but you have compatible equipment and backup power for the hub, it can switch over automatically. Best of all, this can help if your wired internet goes down. If you’ve been wondering <a href="https://www.att.com/blog/why-you-should-care-about-5g-emerging-trends" target="_blank" rel="noopener">why you should care about 5G</a>, this may be your answer—a reliable 5G network can keep you connected when your Wi-Fi goes out.</li>
</ul>
These solutions are great if you need a lot of Wi-Fi (work, school, or gaming). Portable hotspot devices and internet backup services can provide a workable connection during an outage.
As long as you keep these tools charged and ready, you can get through a long outage with minimal changes to your daily routine.
A more powerful solution can restore your Wi-Fi connection and also provide power for other important tasks.
<h2 id="keep-your-modem-and-wi-fi-powered">Keep your modem and Wi-Fi powered</h2>
When the power goes out, you can turn to at-home backup power sources. Depending on your electricity needs, you have three common options:
<ul>
<li>A small UPS – An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) is an emergency power source that runs on an internal battery. UPSs kick in as soon as the power goes out. By plugging your modem and router into a UPS, you can avoid sudden disconnects. The catch? Some small UPS units only last a few minutes. They’re designed to buy you time, not power your devices long-term.</li>
<li>A mid-sized inverter – An inverter can provide power from a battery source during an outage. Plug your modem and router into the inverter, and you’ll have an internet connection that lasts up to several hours, depending on the size of your inverter. (If it’s fuel-powered, only run the inverter outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.)</li>
<li>A full-home backup generator – A whole-home generator can power your house (including your Wi-Fi) for hours—or longer, depending on fuel and load. Large generators are a good fit if you experience frequent power outages or live in an area with severe weather. Full-home generators may be costly, but they offer the most normalcy during an outage.</li>
</ul>
Whichever backup power solution you choose, you’ll want to conserve energy as long as possible, especially if you’re not sure when the outage will end. With a few handy tips, you can make your power source last longer.
<h2 id="save-power-and-data">Save power and data</h2>
Streaming and video calls can drain batteries fast, so it helps to keep these to a minimum to save both power and data. You can also:
<ul>
<li>Enable low-power mode on all active devices</li>
<li>Pause auto-updates, backups, and downloads until power returns</li>
<li>Rotate charging between devices and try to keep batteries between 20% and 80% when you can</li>
<li>Use audio only for calls and meetings</li>
<li>Switch to standard definition (SD) quality when video is necessary</li>
<li>Pre-download important documents before a storm hits</li>
</ul>
Outages can often last longer than expected, so a little planning can go a long way to keep you connected longer.
<h2 id="protect-your-gear-and-prep-ahead">Protect your gear and prep ahead</h2>
The last thing you want is for an outage to catch you unprepared. While outages are often unexpected, you can avoid major disruptions to your life by staying ready.
Start with a simple power-outage plan. Your to-do list should include:
<ul>
<li>Creating an “outage kit” with spare cables and batteries</li>
<li>Testing UPS batteries and portable chargers twice a year</li>
<li>Talking to your internet provider about backup Wi-Fi options</li>
<li>Installing surge protectors to safeguard your modem, router, and fiber ONT</li>
<li>Mapping out nearby businesses with public Wi-Fi connections</li>
</ul>
If you pair a reliable backup setup with a quick-fix plan (like using a phone or portable hotspot), you can improve your chances of staying connected during outages.
To prepare for the next power outage, start putting the plan and devices you need in place with us. Our <a href="https://www.att.com/plans/unlimited-data-plans/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">unlimited mobile data plans</a> keep your phone connected when the Wi-Fi drops out, while our hotspot devices can help you get online in many situations (as long as you have coverage and power).
For even more resilience, explore AT&amp;T <a href="https://www.att.com/internet/fiber/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Fiber internet </a>and choose the best plan to keep you connected when it matters most.

How to get internet during a power outage

Why families are giving kids phones earlier than ever

Kids and phones: How to bridge the gap between your child’s digital world and your peace of mind

Smartphone vs. dedicated kids device: What’s right for your family?

What to look for in your child’s first phone or device

Ophylia is a Lead Digital Customer Growth professional at AT&T and also serves as a Device Editor for TechBuzz by AT&T.

Figuring out what age should a kid get a phone can feel like one of those parenting questions with no clear answer. That&rsquo;s because there&rsquo;s no single answer.

What matters most isn&rsquo;t a specific age. It&rsquo;s whether your child is ready, why they need a device, and how much access you want that first phone to have. For many families, the best first step isn&rsquo;t a full <a href="https://www.att.com/buy/phones/">smartphone</a>. It&rsquo;s a simpler device that helps you stay connected without opening the door to everything else.

<ul>
	<li>Most families give kids a first phone for safety and communication, not because &ldquo;everyone else has one.&rdquo;</li>
	<li>Readiness usually matters more than age when deciding if your child is ready for a phone.</li>
	<li>A dedicated device for kids can offer a middle ground between a <a href="https://www.att.com/buy/wearables/">smartwatch</a> and a smartphone.</li>
	<li>Cost matters, especially when your child&rsquo;s device is one of your main tools for staying in touch.</li>
</ul>

If you&rsquo;re trying to decide when to give your child a phone, think less about what&rsquo;s &ldquo;normal&rdquo; and more about what solves the problem in front of you.

Do you need a way to reach them after school? Do they need to contact you from practice? Are they asking because they&rsquo;re ready, or because their friends have one?

Once you answer those questions, the right device becomes easier to choose. First, it helps to start with the question most parents ask.

<h2>What age should a kid get a phone?</h2>

There&rsquo;s no single recommended age when every child should get a phone. A better answer is this: it depends on your child&rsquo;s maturity, your family&rsquo;s routine, and what you need the device to do.

That may be less satisfying than a number, but that&rsquo;s the reality. According to a 2025 Pew Research Center poll, about 57% of kids between 11 and 12 have their own phone.1 That average can be useful, but it&rsquo;s not a rule. In the same poll, parents said the top reason they get their child a phone is to stay in contact with them, at 81%.2

A 6-year-old who&rsquo;s always with an adult probably doesn&rsquo;t need a phone. An 11-year-old who walks home from school, manages activities, and follows house rules may be ready. A 9-year-old may not need a personal phone unless there&rsquo;s a specific family situation.

So, if you&rsquo;re asking, &ldquo;Is it normal for an 11-year-old to have a phone?&rdquo; or &ldquo;Is 8 too early for a phone?&rdquo; the better question is whether your child is ready to use one responsibly. That&rsquo;s why readiness matters more than age.

<h2>Does age matter more than readiness?</h2>

Usually, no. Readiness matters more.

If your child can follow household rules, keep track of important things, and understand that online choices have consequences, they may be ready for some kind of device. If they still struggle with routines or resist limits, a phone may create more stress than it solves.

A few signs of readiness include:

<ul>
	<li>Your child follows rules consistently.</li>
	<li>They can contact you if plans change.</li>
	<li>They understand basic privacy and safety rules.</li>
	<li>They can handle limits on apps, contacts, or screen time.</li>
	<li>They don&rsquo;t regularly lose important items.</li>
</ul>

That&rsquo;s why decisions about a &ldquo;kid&rsquo;s first phone&rdquo; usually work better when you focus on behavior. One child may be ready, while another may not.

You can also test this before giving your child a full smartphone. Some families start with a limited device or a shared phone, along with a clear family agreement covering who their child can contact, when the device can be used, and what happens if rules are broken.

Once you frame the decision around safety and independence, it&rsquo;s easier to see why many families are making the move earlier than they used to.

<h2>Why families are giving kids phones earlier than ever</h2>

Kids&rsquo; schedules are busier, and family logistics are more complicated. That&rsquo;s a big reason kids are getting phones earlier.

If your child moves between school, after-school care, sports, grandparents&rsquo; houses, or different households, a phone can feel less like a luxury and more like a basic tool. You may just want them to be able to call or text when plans change or to let you know they got where they were supposed to go.

That aligns with the research. A Kennesaw State University study found that parents most often give kids phones for safety, communication, and convenience.3 For many families, staying connected is the priority.

You can see that shift in the way parents talk about independence now. A child who starts walking home, staying home briefly after school, or waiting to be picked up after practice may not need a full smartphone. However, they may need a reliable way to reach you.

That&rsquo;s why the real decision often isn&rsquo;t whether your child needs a phone. It&rsquo;s what kind of phone or device makes sense first.

<h2>Kids and phones: How to bridge the gap between your child&rsquo;s digital world and your peace of mind</h2>

When parents and kids disagree about phones, they&rsquo;re usually not talking about the same thing. Your child may be thinking about games, videos, texting, and fitting in. You&rsquo;re probably thinking about safety, communication, school distractions, and internet exposure.

The best way to bridge that gap is to get clear on what you need the device to do. If your main goal is reaching your child and letting them reach you, that doesn&rsquo;t automatically mean they need a smartphone. If they also need messaging, school tools, or a camera, a more advanced device may make sense, but with limits.

This is where your rules matter as much as the device. It helps to set expectations early:

<ul>
	<li>When can the phone be used?</li>
	<li>Where does it stay at night?</li>
	<li>Who can your child contact?</li>
	<li>Can they use the internet freely?</li>
	<li>What happens if they break the rules?</li>
</ul>

Tools like parental controls, screen time limits, location alerts, and school mode can help, but they work best when they support clear family rules instead of replacing them.

It also helps to treat the first phone as a trial, not a lifetime contract. Start small, set boundaries, and revisit the setup after a month or two. If your child handles it well, you can expand access later.

<h2>Smartphone vs. dedicated kids device: What&rsquo;s right for your family?</h2>

If you&rsquo;re choosing a first phone for kids, you don&rsquo;t have to start with a full smartphone.

A smartphone gives your child a lot at once: texting, calling, apps, games, a camera, internet access, and social media potential. That may work for some older kids. But if your child is younger, or you only need basic communication and safety features, that may be more access than you want.

A dedicated kids&rsquo; device sits in the middle. These devices focus on key functions like calling, messaging, location sharing, and approved contacts. They often have fewer distractions and little or no open internet access.

While there&rsquo;s no one right choice, it&rsquo;s worthwhile to take time to check out the must-have features for your child&rsquo;s first phone or device.

<h2>What to look for in your child&rsquo;s first phone or device</h2>

When choosing a cell phone for kids, focus on what you actually need, not the longest feature list.

Many parents want the same core things:

<ul>
	<li>A fast way for your child to call or message you</li>
	<li>Location visibility</li>
	<li>Control over who can contact your child</li>
	<li>Limits on internet access</li>
	<li>Tools to manage screen time</li>
</ul>

If that sounds like your list, too, here are the features worth prioritizing in a kid&rsquo;s first phone or device:

<ul>
	<li>Calling and texting with approved contacts</li>
	<li>GPS or location sharing</li>
	<li>Parental controls</li>
	<li>Screen time limits</li>
	<li>School mode or a similar focus setting</li>
	<li>A simple setup process</li>
	<li>A durable design</li>
	<li>A predictable monthly cost</li>
</ul>

If you want more oversight after your child gets a device, a <a href="•%09https:/www.att.com/security/secure-family-app">parental controls app</a> can help manage location, screen time, and other settings.

You may also want to think beyond the device itself. If your child is spending more time without you, such as being home alone after school, <a href="•%09https:/www.att.com/blog/what-is-a-latchkey-kid">latchkey kid safety tips</a> can help you set ground rules. If your child will have online access, it&rsquo;s worth reviewing the basics of <a href="https://www.att.com/blog/a-guide-to-internet-safety-for-children/">internet safety for kids</a> from the start.

The goal isn&rsquo;t to find the flashiest phone. It&rsquo;s to choose a device your child can handle and that you can manage with confidence.

Of course, cost matters too, and for many families, it matters a lot.

<h2>How to bridge the digital gap without breaking the budget</h2>

Your child&rsquo;s first phone isn&rsquo;t just a parenting decision. It&rsquo;s a budget decision too.

Costs can add up quickly once you factor in the device, monthly service, and extra apps or safety tools. That&rsquo;s why it helps to focus on what your child needs now instead of buying for a future stage they haven&rsquo;t reached yet.

The Pew Research Center found in 2025 that lower-income parents were more likely than middle- and upper-income parents to say their child has their own smartphone. The same report found that 68% of parents said children should be at least 12 before having a smartphone of their own.4 That suggests many families may prefer to wait, but practical needs often come first.

For some households, a child&rsquo;s device isn&rsquo;t an extra convenience. It&rsquo;s one of the main ways to stay connected across work schedules, school pickups, and shared caregiving. Access to a device can be directly tied to safety and communication.

If you&rsquo;re trying to keep costs under control, a dedicated kids device may be a better starting point than a full smartphone plus extra subscriptions. Starting with a simpler tool can mean a lower monthly bill and fewer risks to manage at once.

For many families, the smartest approach is to do this in stages. Start with the least complicated option that meets your needs today. As your child gets older and shows more responsibility, you can add more freedom and features.

That&rsquo;s the clearest answer to the original question: What age should a kid get a phone? There&rsquo;s no single number that works for every family. What matters most is your child&rsquo;s readiness, your family&rsquo;s routine, your budget, and the kind of device that helps you stay connected without creating more problems than it solves.

If you&rsquo;ve decided your child is ready for a device, the next step is finding the right fit for your family&rsquo;s needs, budget, and comfort level. The <a href="https://www.att.com/wireless/amigo-family/">AT&amp;T amiGO</a>TM family of devices is a great start for a kid&rsquo;s first device. You can compare our full lineup of <a href="https://www.att.com/buy/phones/" target="_blank">phones</a> and explore AT&amp;T <a href="https://www.att.com/plans/wireless/" target="_blank">phone plans</a> to find an option that helps you stay connected on your terms.

<div>
<a href="https://www.att.com/connecttochange/">Connecting changes everything</a>. We&rsquo;re here to help keep you connected.
</div>

What age should a kid get a phone? A parent’s guide

How to monitor and manage your child’s internet usage

Social media safety tips for children and parents

Your kids probably love being online from the time they wake up until they go to sleep to learn about their favorite animals, play games, watch videos, and chat with their friends. But the internet comes with its share of dangers, so it&rsquo;s important that you know how to keep your kids safe online.

By teaching your kids about internet safety, you can:

<ul>
	<li>Build a safe, productive online environment for them</li>
	<li>Protect them from cyberbullying and scammers</li>
	<li>Teach them how to keep their sensitive information private</li>
	<li>Help them find age-appropriate sites and apps</li>
	<li>Set clear boundaries and expectations for internet use</li>
</ul>

While it&rsquo;s impossible to protect your children from every potential online threat, you can give them the tools they need to make good choices and keep themselves safe.

<h2 id="why-internet-safety-for-children-is-more-important-than-ever">Why internet safety for children is more important than ever</h2>

As an adult, you may be familiar with the internet&rsquo;s risks, including cyberbullying and scams. These dangers can be even more prevalent for kids, who are often easy targets for negative online behavior.

Kids can be exposed to:

<ul>
	<li>Online bullying</li>
	<li>Material that encourages harmful behavior (eating disorders, hate speech, dangerous trends)</li>
	<li>Information that impacts their mental health, contributing to low self-esteem</li>
	<li>Excessive use, which can affect grades, sleep habits, and personal relationships</li>
</ul>

And while there are kid-friendly spaces online, there&rsquo;s a ton of adult content that&rsquo;s inappropriate for kids.

As a parent, you want to ensure your children stay on the right side of the internet while also teaching them how to avoid harmful content when they browse independently. It starts with teaching them good online habits.

<h2 id="teaching-children-good-online-habits">Teaching children good online habits</h2>

Kids need to understand that the internet is a tool, and how they use it makes a big difference. Start by setting boundaries around what kinds of sites and apps your kids can use.

In the beginning, it&rsquo;s a good idea to only allow kid-friendly apps and channels that are heavily moderated. Use software that provides parental oversight to help maintain a secure environment.

Even with controls, you still want to be proactive, so join your child as they enjoy screen time. This is a great time for bonding and also helps establish boundaries and reduce the chance of your child having a negative interaction.

Other helpful tips include:

<ul>
	<li>Teach them to ask permission before exploring new websites or content creators &ndash; This lets you vet the content ahead of time and quickly identify any red flags.</li>
	<li>Have a conversation about online privacy &ndash; Discuss with your kids how online communication can put them at risk, especially when sharing personal information. If your child uses any sites that allow them to make their own posts or send messages, make sure they know what kind of information they need to keep private, such as personal details and passwords.</li>
	<li>Limit time spent online &ndash; Think about how much screen time makes sense for your child. Kids should maintain a healthy balance of time online and face-to-face interactions with others. When your child reaches their limit, be prepared to offer them alternative activities, such as going outside, drawing, or playing a game.</li>
</ul>

If your child does come across inappropriate material or behavior online, tell them to first stop engaging. Next, they can screenshot the material. Let them know it&rsquo;s important that they show you or another trusted adult to report the activity to the site or authorities, if needed.

Some experts recommend a family media plan to set screen-free zones (bedrooms and bathrooms), times without devices (before bedtime), and age-appropriate content guidelines.1

With the right plan in place, you can better manage your child&rsquo;s time online.

<h2 id="how-to-monitor-and-manage-your-childs-internet-usage">How to monitor and manage your child&rsquo;s internet usage</h2>

Giving your child a positive online experience means balancing independence with parental involvement. Ultimately, the goal is to set healthy boundaries and positive online behaviors for your child when they first start using the internet. This can help them make smart choices later on their own.

Start by using parental control tools that help you curate their online experiences. Our <a href="https://www.att.com/security/secure-family-app/?msockid=22dc42123f366e220bdf54ef3e056fe9" target="_blank">family safety app</a> makes it possible for you to create safe digital spaces for your kids to learn, grow, and develop their online habits. With these tools, you can:

<ul>
	<li>Set up content filters and safe browsing options that are designed to identify and hide inappropriate words, images, and more.</li>
	<li>Use a block list to prevent your child from accessing certain sites, or set your child&rsquo;s device to only allow access to sites and apps that you proactively choose.</li>
	<li>Adjust your settings as they grow up, so you can offer age-appropriate monitoring while still fostering their curiosity and individuality.</li>
</ul>

You can also monitor your child&rsquo;s internet use through screen time trackers. These trackers provide you with information about how long your child uses certain apps or visits certain websites.

Use the trackers to set limits on your child&rsquo;s phone, which lock them out of a certain app or category of apps after they use their allotted time. Setting up these types of cell phone rules for kids can keep them safe from online threats.

If you&rsquo;re interested in device monitoring but don&rsquo;t know where to start, discover the <a href="https://www.att.com/blog/atts-best-apps-for-kids-devices-comparing-atts-amigo-app-vs-secure-family-app" target="_blank">best apps for kids&rsquo; devices</a>.

<h2 id="social-media-safety-tips-for-children-and-parents">Social media safety tips for children and parents</h2>

For many young people, social media is their favorite way to socialize. Outside of school, social media is where many teens make friends and connect. Many younger kids may also want to make friends online, but it takes a certain maturity level to navigate social media successfully.

It&rsquo;s important for you to decide when your kids are old enough to create an account. Most major platforms (including Facebook and Instagram) require users to be at least 13 before they can join. This can help keep younger, more impressionable kids from seeing inappropriate content or interacting with the wrong people.

However, be aware that kids can misreport their ages to join these platforms, so check your kids&rsquo; accounts.

When your child first sets up their account, go through the privacy settings together. For kids, it&rsquo;s best to make sure that their profiles are as private as possible. Adjust the settings so they can only accept messages from people they&rsquo;ve added as friends.

Talk to your child about only connecting with people they know in real life, such as classmates and family members. Explain how people aren&rsquo;t always who they appear to be online, and encourage them to stay cautious.

This is also a good time to talk to them about their digital footprint. Even if they have a private page, anything they post online can be saved, reposted, and shared by others.

Encourage them to think twice any time they post online, whether they&rsquo;re sharing a photo or recounting a personal moment from their day.

<h2 id="protecting-children-from-online-threats">Protecting children from online threats</h2>

Cyberbullies can be a serious threat, especially for kids. Learn to recognize the signs of cyberbullying so you can intervene quickly and effectively.

Here are a few warning signs to be aware of:

<ul>
	<li>Your child starts withdrawing socially</li>
	<li>They act upset after their time online</li>
	<li>They&rsquo;re secretive about their online activities</li>
	<li>You notice sudden changes in their online activity, whether they start avoiding their devices or start using them all the time</li>
</ul>

If your child is being cyberbullied, block those accounts and report any harassment directly on the platform. It may also be best to enforce a break from social media to protect your child&rsquo;s mental health.

Aside from cyberbullying, scams are another serious concern. Because kids and teens are still learning how to spot danger, they can be prime targets for online scammers who use social engineering and phishing attacks to get access to personal information.

Be proactive and talk to your kids about common scams, then remind them of the importance of not sharing their private information with anyone online.

<h2 id="creating-a-safer-online-environment-at-home">Creating a safer online environment at home</h2>

Protecting your child online involves creating a safe, trusting, and supportive environment at home. Encourage open communication with your children about their online experiences as part of your day-to-day family conversations.

This can normalize their online experiences and make them feel more comfortable talking to you about any issues they&rsquo;re having, whether they&rsquo;re receiving mean comments from a bully or are concerned about messages from a stranger.

Having open, honest, and age-appropriate conversations about online activity is the key to quickly and effectively addressing any issues.

Along with the interpersonal elements of online safety, you also want your network and devices to be safe and secure. A secure network is critical for keeping your <a href="https://www.att.com/blog/how-can-you-protect-data-on-a-mobile-device" target="_blank">data protected</a> and warding off hackers.

For this, it&rsquo;s critical to choose the <a href="https://www.att.com/blog/how-to-choose-the-best-internet-provider" target="_blank">best internet provider</a> to support your connection, then bolster your safety with firewalls and antivirus tools. Regularly update all your internet security systems to ensure they&rsquo;re always in working order.

If you&rsquo;re still on the fence about getting your child their own <a href="https://www.att.com/buy/phones/att-amigo-jr-phone.html" target="_blank">internet-connected device</a>, consider their maturity level, how responsible they are in taking care of their belongings, their impulse control, and their safety awareness.

As the parent, it&rsquo;s up to you to decide when your child is ready for a device&mdash;and what safeguards you&rsquo;ll use to help keep them safe online.

<h2 id="next-steps-for-ensuring-your-childs-online-safety">Next steps for ensuring your child&rsquo;s online safety</h2>

When it comes to how to keep your kids safe online, build healthy internet habits, set boundaries, use parental controls and monitoring tools, talk about privacy, and normalize open discussions.

Ensuring your child has the right kid-friendly <a href="https://www.att.com/wireless/family-phones/" target="_blank">family device</a> can also enhance security. By choosing one of our <a href="https://www.att.com/buy/phones/" target="_blank">smartphones</a> or <a href="https://www.att.com/buy/tablets/" target="_blank">tablets</a> with helpful parental controls, you can set up safeguards to keep your children on the right track.

And, because you can decide which monitoring apps and safety restrictions you need, you can effortlessly create a kid-friendly online experience that works for your child and grows with them.

Check out our secure network and devices today to make online safety a priority for your home and family.

1 &ldquo;Teen Screen Time in 2025: What Every Parent Needs to Know Now,&rdquo; Child Therapy Center of Los Angeles, accessed March 2, 2026, <a href="https://www.childtherapycenterla.com/post/teen-screen-time-in-2025-what-every-parent-needs-to-know-now">https://www.childtherapycenterla.com/post/teen-screen-time-in-2025-what-every-parent-needs-to-know-now</a>.

A guide to internet safety for children

Learn practical tips for maintaining internet access during a power outage, including mobile hotspots, battery backups, and cellular data options.

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