Naperville has earned a reputation as one of the safest cities in Illinois and one of the best Chicago suburbs to raise a family. But true safety today isn’t only about low crime rates or strong community policing—it’s also about keeping children safe in the digital world.

From smartphones to gaming apps, kids are exposed to risks that parents didn’t face just a decade ago. Naperville Police Chief Jason Arres recently sat down with local realtor Dan Firks to share practical online safety advice that every family should hear.

When Should Kids Get Their First Phone?

One of the most common questions parents face is: “When is the right age to give my child a phone?”

Chief Arres says the answer isn’t a simple number—it’s about being deliberate. Parents need to decide not just when their child is ready, but also how that phone will be used.

A smartphone isn’t just a way to call home after practice; it opens the door to apps, internet access, texting, and social media. These freedoms can be overwhelming for kids still learning judgment. Chief Arres encourages parents to hold off until they feel confident their child understands boundaries, and even then, to introduce devices with clear rules in place.

Tip: Many families find middle school (ages 11–13) to be the most common time to introduce a phone, but readiness depends on maturity, responsibility, and parental involvement.

Lock Down Devices and Set Clear Rules

Even once a child has a phone, it should never mean unlimited freedom. Chief Arres stresses that kids need guardrails, and parents should be the ones setting them.

That means:

Using parental controls to restrict app downloads and screen time.
Monitoring activity and staying aware of what apps your child is using.
Keeping phones out of bedrooms overnight to protect sleep and reduce temptation.

Strangers pretending to be kids, explicit content, and unsafe apps can all slip past without clear boundaries. Fortunately, most devices now include built-in safety features. Parents should explore tools like Apple Screen Time or Google Family Link to set restrictions.

Tip: Have your child charge their phone in a central location (like the kitchen), not their bedroom. This simple rule protects both sleep and safety.

The Hidden Dangers of Online Game Chats

For many kids, the biggest risk isn’t social media—it’s gaming.

Games like Roblox, Cookie Run, and others may seem innocent, but they almost always include chat functions. Chief Arres warns that these chats can be dangerous, because adults pretending to be kids sometimes use them to approach children.

His advice is simple:

Disable chat features in games whenever possible.
Teach kids that they should never engage with strangers online.
Remind them that not everyone in a game is who they claim to be.

Predators use chat rooms and gaming platforms to build trust and convince children to share personal information or worse. Chief Arres emphasizes that online safety requires active parental involvement, not just software filters.

Keyword note: This is why families asking “Is Naperville safe for kids online?” should think of safety as both a community responsibility and a home responsibility.

Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Naperville’s reputation as one of the safest suburbs doesn’t happen by accident. The city has low crime rates, but also a proactive police department and an engaged community.

Safety here is a partnership: officers patrol the streets and respond to incidents, while residents report concerns, lock their doors, and stay connected. That same approach applies to online safety. Parents, schools, and the police work together to keep kids safe both offline and online.

For more about Naperville’s safety record, check out our guide: Is Naperville Safe?

Moving to Naperville? Family Resources You Should Know

If you’re considering a move to Naperville, you’ll find a city that not only ranks highly for overall safety but also prioritizes family wellbeing. Here are a few resources new residents should know:

Naper Notify: A mass notification system that alerts residents about emergencies and public safety updates.
Safe Exchange Zones: Monitored areas at the Naperville Police Department where residents can safely meet for online transactions.
Public Safety Map: A transparent tool showing neighborhood-level crime data.
Local Schools: District 203 and District 204 schools both incorporate digital safety awareness into education.

These resources, combined with Naperville’s community culture, make the city one of the most family-friendly suburbs in Illinois.

Related Safety Guides on Naperville.com

Is Naperville Safe?
Why Naperville Is One of the Best Suburbs for Families
Naperville Police Safe Exchange Zones

Final Thoughts

Thinking about moving to Naperville? Safety is one of the top reasons families choose our community. From low crime rates to strong digital safety awareness, Naperville continues to be recognized nationally as one of the best places to raise a family.