Gone are the days when children needed to ask parent’s permission to use the family computer to access the internet. The internet is now easily accessible to most children. With tablets, smartphones, laptops and games consoles, it can be hard to keep track of what children are doing and if they’re being safe online.
The internet isn’t all bad. It’s actually pretty amazing. The variety of websites, apps and other tools available allow children to play, learn and connect. To help encourage learning new skills, whilst also putting your mind at ease, we’ve put together this short guide to help keep children safe online.
1. Discuss Online Safety
As soon as your child is old enough to start using the internet you should start discussing online safety with them. You can do things like explain the importance of passwords and remind them not to talk to strangers (even if they can’t see their face).
Top Tip: Encourage older children to visit CBBC Stay-Safe where they can access games and videos to help them understand how to stay safe online and not fall victim to cyberbullying.
2. Set Parental Controls
Some devices, such as the Amazon Fire for Kids tablet, are intuitive and allow you to specify the content shown based on the age of the child using the device and will also allow you to create profiles specific to each child (or age).
These types of devices are perfect to help prevent your child from accessing unsuitable content and often include features that allow you to limit screen-time by shutting down the device after it has been used for a certain period of time.
It’s also a good idea to check and set parental controls on any other devices such as smartphones and laptops or contact your internet provider who may be able to do this for you.
More information on setting parental controls can be found on the NSPCC website.
3. Explore Together
It’s important, especially with young children, to explore the internet with them to ensure that they understand what to do and what not to do. This will also help you to identify any unsuitable content that needs to be blocked.
You can also use this method to discuss the internet and encourage your child to talk to you if they have any questions or concerns.
4. Set Clear Rules
Set clear rules for your children such as:
- Only use these websites – try to agree on an appropriate list together, to help your child feel involved in the process.
- Don’t talk to strangers – explain why it’s dangerous even though they aren’t with the other person.
- Don’t accept friend requests on social media without asking first – as above but also explain about cyberbullying and the importance of not over-sharing personal information.
- Ask before watching videos – this will allow you to check the age certificate first.
- Talk if something upsets them – reassuring your child that you will listen and discuss any concerns they have will reassure them and help you to spot, block and report anything unsuitable.
- Ask if you need help – it’s important for the child to know they can ask for help if they need it.
You can set these depending upon the parental controls that you have in place and you can also incorporate household rules such as:
- No devices before homework
- No devices during meal times
- No more than one hour per day online
If you have any concerns about your child’s safety whilst using the internet visit the NSPCC website for more information.
Top Tip: If you have any concerns about a specific social network or app, search for it here for answers to child safety questions and recommended minimum user age.