Conversation with Cyberlite's Nina Bual on equitable digital protection for children

Controlling gives parents a false sense of securityNina, a mother of three and cybersecurity expert, thought she had done everything right. She and her husband, both working in cyber, had spent hours setting up parental controls, filtering out harmful content, and ensuring their children had a safe digital environment.Then, one day, her eight-year-old son came to her with an unsettling question:“My friend asked me to type this in. I don’t think I should, should I?”Despite all the restrictions she had put in place, her son had stumbled upon an unfiltered loophole. It was a wake-up call.

Listen to the full episode on Spotify‍

Listen to the full episode on Apple Podcasts

Here our Key Takeaways from our conversation, while you can scroll below for a more in-depth summary of our conversation.

The digital world moves faster than parents can keep up

Nina realized something crucial: no matter how much parents try to protect their kids, digital risks evolve too fast. And worse, kids often don’t tell parents what they experience online, not because they don’t want to, but because they fear losing access to their devices.

“It’s the things they don’t tell me that I worry about.”

Cyber threats aren’t just about explicit content. Cyberbullying, online scams, AI-driven misinformation, and risky online relationships are constantly shaping children’s experiences in ways that many parents don’t fully understand.

For example, kids get scammed in online games. Someone poses as a friend, offering free in-game currency, only to steal the child’s account information.

“Scammers don’t even need to know how kids talk anymore. AI can generate messages that sound just like them.”

And the risks aren’t just from strangers, kids are also navigating group pressures and digital identity issues that can have long-term consequences.

The hard truth about cyber safety

At CyberLite, Nina and her team have worked with hundreds of thousands of kids. The biggest lesson?

Blocking websites and setting up parental controls isn’t enough.

“We don’t need to just monitor technology. We need to monitor behavior.”

Many parents assume cyber safety is about technology, but Nina argues it’s about open conversations and education. When children feel safe discussing their online world, they are far more likely to seek help before a situation spirals out of control.

The solution: education, not just restrictions

Rather than focusing only on what kids shouldn’t do, CyberLite focuses on what kids need to know. Nina’s framework identifies six key areas every child should be educated on:

1. Cyberbullying – recognizing red and green flag behaviors

2. Online relationships – understanding who they are really talking to

3. Digital identity – how their posts shape their future

4. Privacy & information security – avoiding scams and data breaches

5. Digital literacy – spotting misinformation, especially in the age of AI

6. Online safety in gaming – reducing risks in platforms that parents don’t always monitor

The good news? Children can be taught to navigate online spaces responsibly—just like they learn to cross the road safely.

“We don’t ban roads because they’re dangerous. We teach kids how to use them safely. The internet should be the same.”

Building a cyber-smart generation

Instead of fearing technology, Nina encourages parents to embrace it with their children. The goal is not to restrict, but to empower kids with knowledge, so they can make smart decisions, even when parents aren’t watching.

“Sit down with your child. Scroll with them. Ask them, ‘What’s viral today? What’s happening in your online world?’”

A child who understands cyber risks won’t just stay safer today but carry these skills into adulthood, making informed choices in an increasingly digital world.

About Cyberlite

Cyberlite is your go-to guide for digital parenting in the real world. With practical tools, no-fluff explainers, and smart resources, they help families raise confident, tech-savvy kids without the guesswork. Whether it’s privacy settings, screen time, or social media tips, Cyberlite gives parents the clarity they need to lead with confidence — not panic. Their mission? A safer, smarter internet for the next generation.

If you’d like to receive a bi-weekly roundup of curated resources about Parenting in the Digital Age, subscribe to our free newsletter!