Smart Parenting Tips from Online Celebs for Raising Kids in the Digital Age

In today’s digital world, the internet offers children a vast range of educational resources, creative tools, and opportunities to connect with others.

However, navigating the online landscape safely requires guidance from parents. That’s why Smart is amplifying its campaign on responsible digital parenting and child protection.

Recently, Smart hosted a “Family Day” event at its flagship store in Mandaluyong City, gathering parent content creators to share their insights on safe online practices for children. The event also marked the launch of the Smart Junior Plan, an innovative postpaid plan designed to help families stay connected while providing children with a curated set of kid-friendly apps and a safer online experience through PLDT and Smart’s Child Protection Platform.

Here are some valuable tips from parents on how to keep kids safe in the digital space:

1. Set Screen Time Limits and Guide Safe Internet Use

Louise Santos (@mommypracticality), a mother of three, emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries on screen time. Although her older children can discern safe websites on their own, she still regulates her youngest son's gadget use. “We discuss the sites they can visit and model this behavior ourselves,” Louise shares.

Celine Cornejo (@teachercelineph), a preschool teacher with children aged 2, 10, and 12, limits her kids' screen time to weekends, ensuring that their use of mobile phones is balanced and appropriate. Similarly, model-turned-host Kelly Misa-Fernandez (@kellymisa) restricts her son’s internet access on school days to prioritize learning, allowing screen time only on weekends unless it's a relaxed week.

2. Warn Kids About Talking to Strangers Online

Celine teaches her children never to share personal information online, including names, addresses, and passwords. “We remind them that there are people pretending to be kids but are actually adults,” she says. It’s vital for parents to keep reinforcing this lesson regularly.

3. Teach Kids to Question Information Online

Celine also ensures her children understand that not everything they read online is true. She recalls a difficult conversation with her kids when she was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer. “We explained that just because something is found online, it doesn’t mean it applies to me, as every case is unique,” she explains. “They can always consult us or our doctor for accurate information.”

4. Build Trust with Open Communication

Louise stresses that fostering open communication is key to ensuring children feel safe discussing their online experiences. “Before correcting them, you should first connect,” she advises. Eri Neeman (@erineeman), a family event host, agrees, adding, “Children should feel comfortable approaching you with any issue, especially if they know you’re not constantly scolding them.”

Parents also need to self-reflect on their parenting styles and how they were raised, which can help them better support their children in a healthy, nurturing environment.

5. Embrace Technology and Bond with Your Child

Robin Cruz (@anythingarticulated), a father who shares online content with his son Gabe, uses digital tools to bond with his eight-year-old. “We do toy unboxings together. The rule is no gadgets during meals, but we monitor what he’s playing and watching,” says Robin, who believes in maintaining discipline while embracing the digital world.

Kelly Misa-Fernandez also connects with her son through shared interests, such as playing Mario Bros. and discovering new music. “It’s a positive experience, but I’m still cautious about the online dangers,” she says.

For young mom Ulya Nikita (@ulyanikitaa), being able to communicate with her son online has brought peace of mind. “Having a direct line to my child is so important,” Ulya shares, recalling a time when she couldn’t contact her son’s companion and felt panic.

Smart Junior Plan: A Safer Way for Families to Stay Connected

The Smart Junior Plan, available for Smart Postpaid subscribers on Plan 999 and up, offers a comprehensive package to keep kids safe and connected. Priced at only P499 per month, it provides:

10 GB of open-access data per month
Unlimited all-net calls and texts
Access to kid-friendly apps like YouTube Kids, Spotify, and Viber
Access to educational platforms like Khan Academy
Gaming apps such as Mobile Legends
Enhanced online protection through Smart’s Child Protection Platform

This cybersecurity solution blocks access to illegal sites and harmful content, ensuring a safer browsing experience for children. In 2024 alone, the Child Protection Platform blocked 1.6 million malicious sites and over 1 million phishing attempts.

A Safer, Better Digital Experience

“Technology continues to evolve, and we recognize both the benefits and risks it brings, especially for children,” says PLDT and Smart Chief Sustainability Officer Melissa Vergel de Dios. “With the Smart Junior Plan, we aim to keep families connected while promoting child protection and ensuring a better and safer digital experience for kids.”

Backed by Smart’s superior mobile network, the Junior Plan lets families enjoy fast, seamless browsing, video streaming, and lag-free gaming, all while prioritizing safety. For more information, visit Smart Junior Plan.

In today’s connected world, parenting in the digital age requires thoughtful planning, open communication, and the right tools. By implementing these tips and utilizing resources like the Smart Junior Plan, parents can ensure their children have a safer and more enriching online experience.