Kareena Kapoor Khan on ensuring digital privacy for her kids: ‘Jeh doesn’t ask because he is too small, but Tim used to be…’

As parents, it is incredibly important to protect kids from exploitative or harmful digital practices and spaces.

Why so?

According to clinical psychologist Anjali Gursahaney, parents must go beyond screen-time limits to protect children from predatory and exploitative digital environments. They can use parental controls and filters on platforms like YouTube, Instagram, or TikTok. “Ensure you educate children about digital consent and body autonomy—don’t just say ‘don’t post,’ explain why,” she said, adding that another strategy is to ensure all accounts are private, the location is off, and personal details are never shared. “Build trust so kids come to parents when something feels wrong online. Avoid early exposure to social media,” said the psychologist.

Gursahaney said, “Avoid shaming and focus on empowerment. The internet is powerful, but not everyone on it is safe. Let’s learn how to protect ourselves and still have fun.”

For young kids, excess attention can be a devil in disguise, warping their sense of self. They may end up craving external validation, which might seem inherently negative, but it is actually a natural human behaviour rooted in our need for acceptance. The question remains: Can this inevitably lead to unhealthy comparisons and self-doubt, especially in the digital age?

According to Shatavisa Majumder, Consultant Clinical Psychologist at Mindtalk, the dopamine release associated with positive interactions creates a dependency cycle, as studies in Frontiers in Psychology have highlighted. Additionally, social media encourages a culture of comparison, where users measure their lives against the curated, often unrealistic portrayals of others, leading to feelings of inadequacy and a drive for validation to meet perceived societal standards,” she added.

Kareena, Saif and kids enjoy lunch together (Source: Instagram/@kareenakapoorkhan)

Majumder stated that smartphones’ 24×7 connectivity means that younger individuals are constantly exposed to others’ opinions and judgments, which only exacerbates anxiety and self-doubt.

How can parents keep their kids safe?

Keeping children away from the public eye is not always enough; they also need to be protected from online spaces where others write or post about them. But at the same time, keeping children away from screens can seem impossible. Here are some strategies suggested by Gursahaney  that can help parents strike the right balance:

• Co-create digital boundaries: Instead of imposing rules, involve the child in setting reasonable limits.
• Introduce tech-free zones/times (e.g., bedrooms, meals).
• Offer engaging offline alternatives, such as sports, creative arts, nature, or in-person peer activities.
• Model balanced behaviour: Parents should also reduce their screen use.
• Focus on “what’s gained” not just “what’s lost”: Highlight how better sleep, focus, or friendships improve when screen time reduces.
• Use compassionate conversations: Avoid blame. Try statements like, “I notice you seem more tired lately — do you think your phone use is affecting your sleep?”

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.