It’s really important that we all have a wider awareness of online safety. It is not safe to just hand your young child your mobile phone. These are some key points to think about:
- Ensure you know what your children can access online – monitor what they are watching and using;
- Talk to them about what they are doing online and so that you are aware of any problems;
- 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;
- Tell your children no-one has the right to make them do anything they do not want to do;
- Use parental controls to keep children safe.
There are 6 key things to think about:
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 advise, do please ask us. We also recommend the NSPCC website and helpline – https://www.nspcc.org.uk/preventing-abuse/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/
Partnership with parents