Online privacy can sound abstract to a child who wants to join a game, share a picture or answer a friendly message. A short, rehearsed family plan is more useful than a long warning. For an autistic or ADHD child, make the plan concrete, repeat it in calm moments and adapt it to the apps they actually use. No diagnosis predicts what any one child will do online.
Name what stays private
Together, make a small “ask first” list: full name, birthday, address, school, phone number, passwords, current location and pictures that reveal where the child lives or goes. A screen name can still reveal clues. Try examples: “If a game asks which school you go to, what could you say?” The answer can be “I don’t share that” or “I’ll ask my grown-up.” Keep the list visible near the device if that helps.
UNICEF’s parent guidance recommends checking what personal information children share and discussing privacy, rather than relying only on controls. The rule should apply to adults as well: ask before posting a child’s photo or story.
Set up the device together
Review each app’s privacy and location-sharing settings with your child. Check who can message them, see their posts or find their profile. Use age-appropriate controls, updates and a strong, unique password managed by an adult where appropriate. Settings change, so revisit them when an app adds features or a child gets a new account. Explain the reason for each setting; secrecy about the controls can make it harder for a child to seek help.
Rehearse a no-blame help route
Agree on one trusted adult and a sentence such as, “Something online made me uncomfortable; can we look together?” If a contact asks for a secret, private information or images, the child can stop replying and bring the device to that adult. The adult can preserve relevant evidence, use in-app blocking or reporting tools, and seek local help for threats or exploitation. Avoid punishing a child simply for telling you: an open route back to support matters. Our help-seeking plan for bullying can help with the conversation.
Source: UNICEF, How to keep your child safe online: privacy.
This is general information shared for parent awareness, not medical advice. Every child is different — please confirm decisions with your child’s doctor or a suitably qualified professional.