Before You Hand Your Child a Phone or Laptop, Do These 5 ThingsBefore You Hand Your Child a Phone or Laptop, Do These 5 ThingsChild Online Safety: 5 things parents should do before handing over a device to their childrenBefore handing your child a phone, tablet or laptop, parents should take steps to protect them online. Here are 5 practical ways to set boundaries, build trust and teach children digital safety. Establish clear rules on screen time, apps, social media, privacy and online communication before giving your child a device. That is why online child safety should not begin after something has gone wrong. That is why we should not only teach children how to use technology.