It’s really important that we all have a wider awareness of online safety. Before we allow a child to use an electronic device we should be thinking, why are we doing this, is this for our benefit or our child? If they use the device, what might our child be exposed to, could we be engaging with our child in another way, what might they be missing out on by being on this device at this time?
It is not a good idea to simply hand a young child a mobile phone or tablet. There are some key points to think about:
- Ensure you know what children can access online – monitor what they are watching and using;
- Encourage them to come to you if they are unsure – don’t just leave them to it!
- Ensure children understand the importance of not giving personal information to anyone they do not know;
- Teach children that no-one has the right to make them do anything they do not want to do;
There are 6 key things to action:
Parental controls – on the devices and on your broadband – there is lots of helpful information at this link – https://www.nspcc.org.uk/preventing-abuse/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/parental-controls/
Passwords – do your devices all have passwords?
Safe search – have you enabled this, do you know what it is? If not, there is info at the link above.
Time – don’t allow unlimited online time; set up rules and guidelines with your children;
Accounts – do you use a separate account for your child than the one you use when searching?
Talking and awareness – do you talk to your child about being online? For younger children, are you aware of what they are doing and seeing online at all times?
There are a lot of things online that we would not want our children to see. Young children can see things without trying which is why it’s so important that we as parents are aware and in control of what they are using and seeing.
If you would like any help or advice, do please ask us. We also recommend the NSPCC website and helpline – https://www.nspcc.org.uk/preventing-abuse/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/
For information on E-Safety at Bristol Childcare, please see our E-Safety Policy.