In today’s digital age, the internet is an integral part of a child’s life, offering incredible opportunities for learning, connecting, and playing. However, just as we teach our children to be safe in the physical world, it is equally crucial to guide them in navigating the online world safely. As a parent, you don’t need to be a technology expert to make a real difference. The key lies in open communication, setting clear boundaries, and staying informed.
- Talk, Listen, and Stay Involved The most effective tool you have is communication. Make online safety a regular, ongoing conversation, not a one-off lecture. Ask your children about their favourite websites, games, and apps. Show genuine interest in what they are doing online. This helps to build trust, so they feel they can come to you if they encounter something that makes them feel uncomfortable, scared, or sad. Encourage them to be open about their online friends, and to understand the difference between online and offline relationships.
- Set Clear Rules and Boundaries Working together as a family to create a “Family Online Safety Plan” is a great way to establish clear expectations. This can include:
- Time limits: Agree on how much time is appropriate to spend online each day.
- Device-free zones: Designate certain areas or times as tech-free, such as at the dinner table or in bedrooms after a certain time.
- Content rules: Discuss which websites and apps are acceptable to use, and why age ratings are important.
- Sharing personal information: Teach your child what is and isn’t safe to share online, such as their full name, school, address, or photos of them in uniform.
- Utilise Technology and Tools While communication is paramount, technology can be a helpful support.
- Parental controls: Your internet service provider (ISP) and many devices (phones, tablets, games consoles) offer parental control settings. These can help filter out inappropriate content, manage screen time, and restrict in-app purchases.
- Privacy settings: Teach your child to set their social media and gaming accounts to “private” and to only accept friend requests from people they know and trust in real life.
- Reporting and blocking: Make sure your child knows how to use the ‘block’ and ‘report’ features on social media and gaming platforms if they encounter bullying or inappropriate content.
- Be ‘App Aware’ and Stay Up-to-Date The online world changes rapidly, with new apps and games emerging constantly. Take the time to understand the platforms your child is using. Websites like Net Aware (NSPCC) and Internet Matters provide up-to-date guides on popular apps, their age ratings, and potential risks.
By fostering an environment of trust and open dialogue, you can equip your child with the skills and confidence to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly. Remember, your role is not to simply restrict access, but to empower your child to make informed choices and to know that you are always there to help.
Please find below an Online Safety guide to keep your child safe online.
If you have any safeguarding concerns, please contact the Designated Safeguarding Lead – Mrs King.