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Helping Your Loved Ones Stay Safe Online
Caring for older adults in a digital world can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. This page gives caregivers simple tools, step-by-step guides, and printable reminders to help parents and grandparents stay safe online with confidence.
How to Help Parents Stay Safe Online
1. Start with the Basics
Show them how to recognize scam messages
Practice identifying safe and unsafe links
Teach them to avoid sharing personal information
Remind them to ask you before responding to unexpected emails or texts
2. Build Safe Online Habits
Encourage them to pause before clicking
Teach them to use strong passwords
Remind them to log out of accounts when finished
Help them update devices regularly
3. Keep Communication Open
Tell them they can always ask questions
Check in weekly to make sure everything is working
Be patient — learning new technology takes time
How to Set Up Devices for Safety
1. Add Essential Security Settings
- Enable automatic updates
- Turn on Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
- Set up fingerprint or PIN login
- Install trusted antivirus software (if needed)
2. Organize Their Home Screen
- Add shortcuts for safe apps
- Remove apps they don’t use
- Arrange icons so important apps are easy to find
3. Create Safe Password Storage
- Use a password manager
- Or create a simple printed password sheet (kept somewhere safe)
- Make all passwords strong and unique
4. Enable Scam Protection Tools
- Block unknown callers
- Turn on spam filters
- Set browsers to warn about unsafe websites
Printable Reminders (Caregiver-Friendly)
You can create small reminder sheets or cards, such as:
“Before You Click” Checklist
When in doubt — ask a family member
Do I know who sent this?
Am I expecting this message?
Is the link or attachment safe?
Password Safety Card
Change passwords after a scam attempt
Never share your password
Use strong, unique passwords
Phone Safety Reminder
Hang up and call the official number on your card
Don’t answer unknown numbers
Never give out bank info over the phone
Settings Guides (Step-by-Step Support)
Common guides you can include:
How to update browser security settings
How to update an iPhone or Android
How to turn on 2FA
How to block scam callers
How to check for app permissions
Example content:
How to Turn on 2FA (Two-Factor Authentication)
Save your settings
Go to the “Security” or “Password & Login” section of the account
Choose “Two-Factor Authentication”
Select text message, email, or authenticator app
Enter the code provided