You know that feeling when a piece of advice hits you right in the gut? That is exactly what happened when Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar recently used his massive platform not to promote a film, but to issue a urgent warning to parents.
In a heartfelt video, he did not just talk about screen time. He spoke about the dark alleyways of the internet that our children can stumble into. He urged parents to get involved, to check their kids’ phones, and to set up safety measures. It felt less like a celebrity PSA and more like a concerned uncle having a serious chat with the family.
If you saw that video and felt a mix of agreement and anxiety, you are not alone. The digital world is a vast, wonderful, and sometimes dangerous place. So, let us break down Akshay Kumar‘s call to action into five practical, actionable “digital safety shields” you can set up today. This is not about spying. It is about parenting in the 21st century.
Beyond the Warning: Your 5 Digital Safety Shields
Forget feeling overwhelmed. Think of these as the seatbelts and airbags for your child’s online journey. You would not let them ride in a car without them.
. The Content Filter: Activate Restricted Mode
The internet is an endless library, but not every section is suitable for young minds. Your first shield is about filtering out the most harmful content.
- On YouTube: Go to the account settings and turn on “Restricted Mode.” This is a blunt instrument, but an effective one that helps filter out mature content. It is not perfect, but it is a crucial first step.
- On Google Search: Open Search Settings and enable “SafeSearch.” This filters out explicit images, videos, and websites from search results.
- Why it matters: It automatically blocks a huge portion of inappropriate content before your child ever sees it, giving you peace of mind during independent exploration.
2. The Privacy Fortress: Lock Down Social Media Accounts
If your child is on social media (and most minimum age restrictions are 13), their default profile is often public. This is like leaving the front door wide open.
- The Action: Go into the privacy settings of every app (Instagram, TikTok, Facebook) and make the account “Private.” This means only approved followers can see their posts and stories.
- Go Further: Also disable options that allow anyone to tag them or add them to groups without permission. Review their followers list with them, making it a conversation about curating a positive online space.
- Why it matters: It drastically reduces their exposure to strangers and cyberbullying, creating a smaller, safer circle of interaction.
3. The Time Manager: Use Built-in Screen Time Controls
This is not just about limiting entertainment. It is about ensuring sleep, homework, and real-world friendships are not sacrificed to the digital glow.
- The Tools: Both Apple’s Screen Time (on iOS) and Google’s Digital Wellbeing (on Android) are built right into the phone. You can set time limits for specific apps, schedule “Downtime” when only essential apps work, and see detailed reports of usage.
- The Conversation: Frame this as a tool for balance, not punishment. “Let us make sure you have enough time for your video game and your soccer practice.”
- Why it matters: It helps build healthy digital habits from a young age, teaching self-regulation and the importance of a life beyond the screen.
4. The Trust Pact: Establish Open Device Checks
Akshay Kumar was very direct about this: check your child’s phone. This can feel invasive, so the how is critical.
- The Agreement: Make a family rule from day one. “In this house, a phone is a privilege, not a right. Mom and dad will have the passcode and will do occasional check-ins to make sure you are safe. This is not because we do not trust you, but because we do not trust everyone online.”
- The Method: Make it a side-by-side activity, not a secretive audit. Look through new contacts, app downloads, and photo galleries together. Use it as a chance to talk about what you see.
- Why it matters: This open-door policy is the single most powerful deterrent against risky online behavior. It ensures kids think twice before accepting a stranger’s request or posting something unkind.
5. The Communication Bridge: Talk, Do Not Just Police
All the tech controls in the world are useless without open communication. This is the most important shield, and it is not made of code.
- Start Early: Have small, ongoing conversations about online safety. Talk about what information is private (address, school name). Discuss what cyberbullying looks like and assure them they can always come to you without fear of losing their phone.
- Be a Guide: Ask to see their favorite YouTube creator. Play their favorite game with them. When you show genuine interest, you stop being the warden and start being the guide.
- Why it matters: This builds the intrinsic motivation for your child to make safe choices even when you are not looking. It turns your role from a police officer into a coach.
Your Digital Parenting FAQs
Q1: My child says I am invading their privacy by checking their phone. How do I handle that?
A: This is a common pushback. Explain that online privacy is for adults. For children, it is about safety. Use a real-world analogy: “You have privacy in your bedroom, but if we hear a concerning noise, we will check on you. The online world is the same. We are responsible for your well-being.”
Q2: What is the right age to give a child a smartphone?
A: There is no magic number, but many experts suggest delaying until at least 8th grade (around age 13-14). Before that, consider a basic phone for calls and texts. The decision should be based on your child’s maturity and your family’s specific needs, not social pressure.
Q3: Are parental control apps like Qustodio or Net Nanny worth it?
A: The built-in controls (Screen Time, Digital Wellbeing) are excellent and free. Third-party apps offer more granular tracking and filtering, which can be helpful for very concerned parents or younger children. However, they are not a substitute for the communication and trust-building outlined in Shield #4 and #5.
Q4: My tech-savvy kid can bypass these controls. What then?
A: This is where the communication bridge is vital. If they are smart enough to bypass controls, they are smart enough to understand the “why” behind them. Have a serious conversation about the real-world consequences of unsafe online behavior. The goal is to make them your ally in their own safety.
The Final Takeaway: Parent, Don’t Panic
Akshay Kumar‘s message resonated because it cut through the noise. It was a raw, honest moment that highlighted a universal modern fear.
You do not need to be a tech expert to be a good digital parent. You just need to be a present one. Start with one shield today. Maybe it is turning on SafeSearch during dinner, or having a 10-minute chat about their favorite app tonight.
The goal is not to build an impenetrable fortress out of fear, but to equip our children with the wisdom and tools to navigate the digital world with confidence and caution. The internet is not going away. Let us make sure our kids are ready for it.
What is the first digital safety step you will take this week? Share this article with another parent who would find it helpful.
