Online Safety
The safety of your children is paramount. Technology is a big part of our lives and we know that children use The Internet during their leisure time as well as for learning. Technology is changing all the time and children often adapt faster to those changes than parents. We feel it is important for parents to remain in control of how their children access technology as well as online resources.
1. Set Clear Rules for Screen Time
- Tip: "Establish boundaries for how much time your child spends online each day. Set clear rules for when, where, and how long they can use devices, and be consistent about enforcing these limits."
2. Monitor Online Activity
- Tip: "Regularly check in on your child’s online activities. Use parental controls and monitoring software to ensure that your child is accessing age-appropriate content. Keep the devices in shared spaces, not in private areas like bedrooms."
3. Encourage Open Conversations
- Tip: "Talk to your child about the importance of being respectful and kind online. Encourage them to come to you if they ever feel uncomfortable or encounter something inappropriate online."
4. Teach About Privacy
- Tip: "Educate your child on the importance of keeping personal information private. Remind them never to share their full name, address, phone number, or school online, even with friends."
5. Discuss Cyberbullying
- Tip: "Make sure your child knows what cyberbullying is and how to recognise it. Teach them how to report or block bullies and assure them that they can always come to you if they are being targeted."
6. Set Social Media Guidelines
- Tip: "If your child is using social media, set clear guidelines for what they can share. Encourage them to only connect with people they know in real life and be cautious about accepting friend requests from strangers."
7. Review Online Games and Apps
- Tip: "Before allowing your child to play a new online game or download an app, research it to ensure it’s safe and age-appropriate. Look at reviews, privacy policies, and whether the app allows for communication with strangers."
8. Teach Safe Online Behaviour
- Tip: "Teach your child how to recognise and avoid dangerous or suspicious online behaviour, such as clicking on unknown links or chatting with strangers. Explain the risks of downloading files or software from untrusted sources."
9. Model Safe Online Practices
- Tip: "Be a positive role model when using technology. Show your child how to use devices responsibly, such as respecting others' privacy, practising good digital etiquette, and managing their screen time wisely."
10. Stay Informed About Online Trends
- Tip: "Stay up-to-date on the latest apps, games, and online trends that your child might be using. Understanding these tools helps you better guide your child and protect them from potential risks."
11. Create a Family Online Safety Plan
- Tip: "Work with your child to create an online safety plan that includes guidelines for safe device usage, reporting concerns, and how to handle uncomfortable situations. Involve them in setting the rules for a sense of ownership."
12. Use Parental Control Tools
- Tip: "Take advantage of parental control settings on devices, apps, and websites to help filter out harmful content. Many devices offer screen-time tracking and app usage reports to help you monitor your child's online activity."
13. Encourage Digital Well-Being
- Tip: "Encourage your child to take breaks from screens and engage in physical activities or face-to-face interactions. Discuss the importance of balancing online time with offline hobbies."
TikTok Online Safety (YouTube Video)
-
TikTok Safety & Privacy Settings for Parents
- TikTok Safety Settings for Parents | Common Sense Media
This video by Common Sense Media explains how parents can set up privacy settings on TikTok to ensure their child's safety while using the platform.
- TikTok Safety Settings for Parents | Common Sense Media
-
How to Set Up Parental Controls on TikTok | Family Tips
- How to Set Up Parental Controls on TikTok | Family Tips
This YouTube video offers a detailed guide on how to configure TikTok’s privacy and safety settings to protect kids and manage their usage.
- How to Set Up Parental Controls on TikTok | Family Tips
Child-safe your iphone or ipad
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pAMA2RdlqUg
Kids Mode on your Android Device
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YTw07AbjozU
Child-safe your android phone using a safe browser
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IfYqFdgVFhs
Child-safe your android tablet
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KDs_5ooQwiQ
Parental controls on PS4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WcFAYvGwofI
Parental Controls Xbox One
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H5ViYPLTs3I
CEOPS – Legal Website run by the national crime agency
www.ceop.police.uk/safety-centre
Think u know – Child protection education program
Safer Internet – Great practical tips for parents on how to keep kids safe
https://www.saferinternet.org.uk/
Non-profit organisation Internet Matters has put together 5 top tips to manage children's screen time.
https://www.internetmatters.org/hub/guidance/5-top-tips-to-manage-childrens-screentime/
The NSPCC has a range of resources for parents on Internet safety
https://www.nspcc.org.uk/preventing-abuse/