Okay guys, today was a big one. We finally tackled setting up some clear DNI rules for the kids online. Honestly? Felt like navigating a jungle blindfolded at first.
It all kicked off when my 12-year-old, Emily, asked again about joining that app all her friends are on. You know the one. Her pleading face almost got me, but that gut feeling shouted “Stop!” I remembered hearing scary stories online about minors getting weird messages and knew we had to draw a line.
Starting the Conversation (The Awkward Bit)
Sat the whole family down after dinner – Emily, her 9-year-old brother Ben, my partner. No screens allowed. Jumped straight in: “Look, we need rules for online stuff, especially about talking to strangers. We’re calling it a ‘DNI Rule’ – Do Not Interact.” Made it super clear: If you don’t know them personally in real life, like school or family, you don’t chat, play games with them, or share anything. Not your name, your school, your pictures, nothing. Ben immediately asked, “What about Roblox voice chat with Tyler’s cousin?” Nope. Doesn’t count. Only people you actually see regularly.
Putting the Rules in Place (The Action Steps)
Talk is cheap, right? We had to get practical:
- Reviewed Privacy Settings Hardcore: Went phone-by-phone. Instagram? Private account, followers only. All games? No public profiles, turned off location sharing everywhere. Blocked DMs from strangers on platforms where we could.
- Parental Controls Got an Upgrade: Dug deep into our router settings and the Family Link app. Set strict limits on when apps could be used, and outright blocked apps we don’t recognize or feel iffy about. No downloads without permission – that’s non-negotiable.
- Open Phone Policy: Laid it out honestly: “We will check your phones sometimes. Not to snoop on chats with friends, but to make sure you’re safe and following the DNI rule.” No secrets here.
- Emergency Plan: Practiced what to do if someone creepy messages. “Screenshot, show us IMMEDIATELY, block them, DO NOT reply. Even if it seems scary to tell us, tell us anyway.” Made them repeat it back.
Facing Reality (Yeah, It Got Messy)
Emily was not thrilled. “But everyone else is on it!” Cue the eye rolls, the sighing. Ben just wanted to know if he could still play Minecraft. We argued. We compromised on some things (later bedtimes on weekends, more Roblox time off voice chat), but the DNI rule? That stayed absolute. Zero wiggle room.
We had one minor panic last week. Ben mentioned a new “friend” on a game asking what town he lived in. My heart stopped. But he remembered the rule! Told the kid “Sorry, can’t say,” blocked them, and told us first thing! That moment? Pure relief. Proof the drilling worked.
Looking Back (What Actually Stuck)
It wasn’t a one-and-done lecture. It’s constant. We ask “Who you chatting with?” casually. Remind them before they hop online. Check those screen time reports religiously. Seeing Emily grumble but stick to her safe apps, Ben telling us immediately about that weirdo… that’s the win. It’s messy, ongoing work, but knowing they finally get why DNI matters? Makes all the arguments totally worth it. Stay vigilant, folks.
