6 Chapter 6: How to Support a Loved One Safely
Working With Family, Not Against Them, to Stay Safe and Confident Online
It’s okay to ask for help from family or experts and it’s also okay to want to maintain your independence. This chapter is for both seniors and their loved ones. Whether you’re reading this as a parent, a grandparent, or a caring adult child, you’ll learn how to work together to stay smart and safe in the digital world. Technology can be overwhelming to anyone especially when it’s changing daily.
Why Support Matters
Many scams and privacy issues succeed not because people are careless or not paying attention, but because:
- They feel rushed
- They’re afraid to ask for help
- They don’t want to bother anyone
Having someone you trust as a second pair of eyes or a “tech buddy” can make all the difference in the world. Don’t be afraid to reach out to someone to check with.
Ways Family Members Can Support (Without Taking Over)
| What to Offer | Why It Helps | How to Keep It Respectful |
| Help setting up devices or apps | Avoids confusion and wrong settings | Ask first, explain each step |
| Privacy check-ins | Keeps things secure and up to date | Say: “Want to go through this together?” |
| Scam alerts or updates | Shares important warnings | Never say “You should’ve known”. Be kind and calm |
| Encourage learning | Tech classes, books, or tutorials | Frame it as “fun” and not “fixing” |
Shared Tools for Peace of Mind
| Tool | Purpose | How to Use It Together |
| Google Family Link | Helps monitor device use | For seniors who want help organizing apps or settings |
| Apple Screen Time Sharing | Lets family set up limits or view settings | Great for iPads and iPhones |
| Shared Emergency Contacts | Makes it easy to reach out fast | Add to phones and smart devices |
| Password Managers (like Bitwarden) | Stores secure logins | Choose a “trusted person” to have backup access |
Setting Boundaries and Building Trust
Seniors:
- Let your family know what kind of support you’re open to
- Don’t be afraid to say, “I’d like to learn this on my own first”
- Ask for explanations, not just fixes
Caregivers and Family:
- Be patient and never shame a loved one for falling for a scam
- Avoid fear-based warnings. Try to stay positive and empowering
- Be supportive to those seeking your help
Hypothetical Scenario: “A Team Approach”
Luis, 80, was frustrated with his email. There were too many strange messages, and he couldn’t tell which ones were real. His daughter offered to help. Instead of taking over, they sat down together for 30 minutes.
She showed him how to spot spam, adjust his filters, and even set up a folder for “Weird Emails.”
Now Luis handles most emails himself and just asks for help when something feels off.