How can I update the kernel on my lightsail server

Thanks for this information, however, I can imagine I’d type this somewhere, but I don’t have a clue as to where, how, or format. I “rent” the server here for this reason- I don’t want to manage, or repair a server.
I’m told that a kernel update is my responsibility- so, I have to try. I would need “baby steps “ if you don’t mind. And confidence that the process would work and it would boot back up without a hitch.

At first yes you are responsible for the security and keeping your instances updated/patched.

Since for EC2 and lightsail AWS just provides you with the infrastructure, the operation is upon you.

Note: before starting such operations please take a snapshot of your instance

https://lightsail.aws.amazon.com/ls/docs/en_us/articles/lightsail-how-to-create-a-snapshot-of-your-instance

Then connect the instance through the SSH

https://lightsail.aws.amazon.com/ls/docs/en_us/articles/amazon-lightsail-ssh-using-terminal

then execute the above commands