Young Kids (6-10)
Tell me about your favorite app or game. What do you like about it?
If a stranger online asked you to be their friend, what would you do?
Do you ever tell me everything you see or do online? What kinds of things make you uncomfortable?
What's the difference between a "real friend" and a friend online?
Have you ever clicked on something online that looked fun but worried you?
Why do you think we have rules about which apps you can use? What could go wrong if there weren't any?
If you saw something mean or scary online, would you tell me? How would you know if something wasn't safe?
Do you know why we don't share our full name, address, or school name online? What could happen?
What's something you've learned from videos or games online? How did you know if it was true?
How do you feel when you're playing games with other kids online? Do you ever feel left out or upset?
Tweens (11-13)
Are you happy with the apps you use? Do you feel like they're a good fit for you?
Have you experienced cyberbullying? What happened and how did you handle it?
Do you think your password is strong? Can we talk about password safety?
Who can you talk to if something online makes you uncomfortable or scared?
How much screen time feels right to you? Do you ever feel like you're spending too much time online?
What information is okay to share online and what should stay private?
Have you ever seen someone spread rumors or say mean things online? How did that make you feel?
Why do you think we set limits on social media at your age? What's different about talking online vs. in person?
Have you ever felt pressure from friends to download an app or follow someone? How did you handle it?
Do you ever compare yourself to other kids' posts online? How does that make you feel?
If someone online pretended to be a kid your age and wanted to hang out, what would you do?
What information have you shared online? Could any of it be used to find or identify you?
Have you ever regretted something you posted or shared? What did you do about it?
Do you know how to block or report someone who's being mean? Should we practice together?
What do you think about ads and sponsored posts? Do they try to trick you into buying things?
Teens (14-18)
How do you balance your online presence with your real life? Is it healthy?
Have you ever felt pressure to post or share something you weren't comfortable with?
What's your understanding of digital privacy? What information should you protect?
Have you ever encountered misinformation online? How did you know it wasn't true?
How do you handle negative comments or criticism online?
Have you thought about your digital footprint and how your posts might affect your future?
What would you do if someone tried to catfish you or manipulate you online?
Do you feel like you can talk to me about problems online without judgment?
How do you evaluate whether news or information you see online is real? Where do you usually find reliable sources?
Have you ever felt addicted to your phone or social media? What strategies help you take breaks?
What's your awareness of how apps track your data and location? Does that concern you?
Have you encountered deepfakes or AI-generated content? How can you tell what's real?
Do you feel comfortable being yourself online, or do you present a different version of yourself? Why?
If a college or employer looked at your social media, what would they see? Is that what you want them to see?
Have you ever felt someone was being inauthentic or fake online? How did you figure it out?
How do you handle FOMO (fear of missing out)? Does it ever lead you to make decisions you regret?
What's your stance on sharing photos or videos? Do you think before posting?
Have you ever received unwanted messages or advances online? How did you respond and did you tell an adult?
Parents
What do I understand about the apps my child uses? What do I still need to learn?
How can I stay involved without invading my child's privacy?
What are realistic screen time limits for my family?
How do I talk to my child about online predators and grooming without scaring them?
What should I do if I discover my child is being cyberbullied?
What age is appropriate for my child to have social media? What factors should I consider?
How do I balance being a friend with my child and being their parent online?
What parental controls should I use, and how do I explain them to my child without seeming invasive?
How can I help my child develop healthy relationships with technology and avoid addiction?
What warning signs should I watch for that suggest my child may be struggling with their online presence?
How do I teach my child about consent and privacy when sharing photos or information?
What should I know about AI, deepfakes, and other emerging technology to help my child navigate it?
How can I help my child recognize and resist peer pressure related to social media and apps?
What's my role in teaching media literacy and critical thinking about online content?
How do I address the impact of social comparison and mental health concerns related to social media?
What policies and agreements should I have with my child about device use and online behavior?
How do I stay informed about the apps and platforms my child uses without becoming outdated?
💡 HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE
Pick one conversation starter per week. Choose a calm moment (car ride, dinner, before bed). Listen more than you talk. Ask follow-up questions. Thank them for being honest. Most importantly: keep the conversation going regularly, not just when there's a problem.