Google Safety 101

What is it?

Google is not a single app, it’s a set of tools that many children use every day, and includes Google Search (finding information online), Google Chrome browser (accessing websites) and Google apps such as Docs, Sheets and Drive which are accessed with a Google account.

When a child uses Google, they can search for information, images, and websites, click through to different sites across the internet and use apps and services connected to their Google account.

Google enables children to actively look for content online and it is open-ended, meaning it can lead to any website depending on the controls that have been put in place and how the account is set up.

For parents and caregivers, the key thing to understand is Google is often the starting point for exploring the internet, and what your child finds depends on both their searches and their account settings.

Why it's popular

There are different search engines and web browsers available (for example Safari, Edge, Firefox) and Google is a popular choice because it:

• Provides quick answers to questions
• Offers easy access to information for school
• Can be simple and for many it's familiar to use

What to watch out for

Search results can lead anywhere

Even simple or innocent searches can take children to places they didn’t expect. Children might accidentally come across inappropriate or adult images, content that looks safe at first but isn’t, or websites containing pop ups, ads or downloads.

This can happen easily, when they spell something slightly wrong or use vague keywords.

• Encourage checking before clicking and thinking carefully about the search words to use, to return the most relevant and accurate results. Ask open questions like “What did you search for?” to understand their thinking and encourage them to slow down and look closely at results before clicking. Show them how to read titles, links, and previews for clues, and build a habit of pausing and thinking: “Does this look safe and relevant?” before opening anything.

Clicking through to other websites

Google (or any search engine) is just the starting point for accessing content online; the real risks often appear after clicking through to other sites. Children may land on unfamiliar websites they don’t recognise, encounter pop-ups, ads, or prompts asking them to click or download, or be exposed to content that isn’t age-appropriate. They may not yet understand the difference between a trusted site and a risky one.

• Encourage children to stick to known, trusted websites (e.g. school-recommended sites) and teach them to be cautious of flashy buttons, ads, or “click here” messages. Help them to understand that not all websites are equal and that they have control over where they go next.

Misinformation and confusing content

Not everything online is true, accurate, or helpful and this can be especially confusing for younger learners. Children might encounter information that is exaggerated, biased, or incorrect, content presented as “facts” without evidence, and conflicting answers to the same question. Without guidance, they may accept the first result they see as true.

• Ask questions like “Where do you think this information came from?” and “Do you think this is reliable?” and encourage checking more than one source of information. Talk about the difference between facts, opinions, and advertising and build early critical thinking skills to help children become more questioning, and not just passive consumers of information.

Images and visual search results

Image searches can feel safer because they’re visual but they can also surface unexpected or inappropriate content, for example images that are confusing, scary, or not age-appropriate. Tamariki may click on images that lead to unsafe or unrelated websites, and they may struggle to understand context without explanation.

• Talk ahead of time about what to do if something doesn’t look right and encourage children to close the tab or turn the screen away if they see something yucky or upsetting. Reassure them they won’t get in trouble for telling an adult, as normalising this response helps children act quickly and confidently when something unexpected appears.

Distraction and drifting

Searching online can easily lead children away from their original goal, and it can be easy to fall into a 'rabbit hole' where tamariki click from one link to another without real purpose, get drawn into videos, games, or unrelated content, or lose track of what they were trying to find. This isn’t just about safety, it's about digital citizenship and responsible online use that doesn't detract from learning and focus.

• Gently guide them back with questions like “What were you trying to find?” and encourage setting a clear goal before searching. Support short, focused search sessions and help children stay on track with the task to build both digital and learning self-management skills.