Protecting Children Online: Tech Tools for Aussie Parents
As Australian children spend more time online than ever before, concerns about digital safety are mounting. From screen addiction and cyberbullying to exposure to inappropriate content and online predators, the threats are real — and increasingly sophisticated. But so too are the tools available to help protect kids in the digital age.
The Scope of the Problem
According to the eSafety Commissioner, more than 80% of Australian children aged 8–17 use the internet daily. By age 13, most already have social media accounts. While the digital world offers educational opportunities and social connection, it also opens the door to harmful experiences.
In the past 12 months alone, the eSafety Office received over 23,000 reports of cyberbullying and online abuse involving children. Additionally, new AI-generated explicit content and encrypted messaging apps have made monitoring harder for parents and regulators alike.
“We’re seeing an escalation in both the volume and the complexity of online risks,” says Julie Inman Grant, Australia’s eSafety Commissioner. “Parents need both education and effective tools to stay one step ahead.”
Key Threats Parents Should Know
- Cyberbullying: Persistent harassment via messaging, comments, or posts — often anonymous and hard to trace.
- Inappropriate content: Access to adult material, violent games, or harmful ideologies.
- Online predators: Grooming through social platforms, games, or chat forums.
- Screen addiction: Overuse of devices impacting sleep, attention span, and emotional health.
- Privacy risks: Sharing personal data or images without understanding the consequences.
Top Tech Tools for Aussie Families
Fortunately, a growing range of parental control apps and digital wellbeing tools are empowering Australian families to manage and monitor children's digital lives. Below are the leading options available:
1. Family Link (Google)
For Android users, Google’s Family Link allows parents to set daily screen time limits, remotely lock devices, filter apps by age, and view app usage reports. It’s free and integrates smoothly with Android tablets and Chromebooks.
2. Apple Screen Time
iPhone and iPad users can use Apple’s built-in Screen Time tools to manage access to apps, block adult content in Safari, and approve downloads remotely. Parents can set “Downtime” schedules for study or bedtime.
3. Qustodio
This third-party solution works across all platforms and offers web filtering, YouTube monitoring, call and SMS tracking (on Android), and location tracking. It also includes panic alerts and is widely used by Australian schools.
4. Bark
Bark monitors texts, emails, YouTube, and 30+ apps for signs of harmful content, bullying, grooming, or depression. While based in the US, it has been adopted by some Australian schools and is compatible with local platforms.
5. Family Zone (Australia-based)
Developed in Perth, Family Zone is a homegrown tool integrated into many Aussie school networks. It offers cyber safety education, device monitoring, and can apply school internet rules at home. It’s endorsed by the eSafety Office.
National Online Safety Policies
Alongside tech solutions, federal initiatives are scaling up. In 2024, the Australian government allocated $134 million to expand the Online Safety Act, giving new powers to the eSafety Commissioner to request take-downs of harmful content within 24 hours.
Schools now have a mandatory Digital Safety Curriculum for Years 3–10, with resources that teach students about sextortion, privacy settings, consent, and AI-generated content threats.
A pilot program called “SmartStart Families” was also launched in 2025 to train parents in high-risk areas — especially in regional and migrant communities — on how to use monitoring tools effectively.
Talking, Not Just Tracking
Experts agree that technology alone isn’t enough. Open communication remains the most important line of defense.
“Monitoring is useful, but trust is essential,” says psychologist Dr. Eliza Tran. “We must teach children to navigate danger, not just avoid it.”
Recommended conversation starters include:
- “What apps are your friends using lately?”
- “Have you seen anything online that made you uncomfortable?”
- “What would you do if a stranger sent you a message?”
What’s Next: AI and the Future of Online Safety
As AI-driven deepfakes, chatbots, and synthetic media become mainstream, new risks emerge. Children may unknowingly interact with AI-generated content that promotes misinformation or manipulates emotions.
In response, tech giants like Meta and TikTok are trialling AI content detection tools, while Australia’s eSafety Office is exploring partnerships with cybersecurity firms to develop child-first AI filters.
Final Thoughts
Keeping kids safe online in 2025 requires more than firewalls and filters. It takes a combination of tools, education, vigilance — and above all — empathy. With the right balance, Australian parents can help their children not only stay safe, but also thrive in the digital world.
“It’s not just about controlling screens. It’s about guiding children to be good digital citizens,” says Inman Grant.