Parent Advice

Here are some ideas that might prove useful when deciding the most practical way to help your child make the best, and safest, use of their online experiences. It is not an exhaustive list and you may well have other thoughts that could improve it further.

Set Boundaries

  • Students don’t need to use the iPad all the time at home!

  • It is advised that the iPad is not taken to bed and is left to charge overnight in the living room

  • If you are experiencing problems, we recommend that you specify:

    • where in the house the iPad can be used

    • where it is to be kept when not in use

    • This link might be useful to you for idea

Monitor

  • Talk about Internet activities openly and freely

  • Have your child use the iPad in a shared family area where you can monitor how long they are online as well as the websites they are visiting

  • Mobile phones and other digital devices have access the Internet, so these devices need to be monitored also

Share the Experience

  • Ask your children to demonstrate the way they use their iPad for school

  • Ask your children teach to you how to use the iPad

  • Spend time looking together at sites that are fun, interesting or educational

  • Encourage your child to question things on the Internet, e.g.

    • “Who is in charge of this site?”

    • “Have I found information, or is it just opinion?”

    • “Is this site trying to influence me or sell me something?”

  • Have a play with the iPad and apps by yourself to better understand how they work

Protect

  • Explain to your child that not all information on the Internet is good, true or helpful, and that some areas are are not intended for children to see

  • It’s also important to educate your child on why it’s not safe to give out any personal details online

Setting Internet Filters at home: OpenDNS

  • Open DNS provides parents a way to secure their internet connection and prevent access to restricted web sites

  • The advantage for parents is that this can be applied to ALL devices in the home

  • More information on setting up a home internet filter can be found here

Setting Apple iPad Restrictions

    • Parental controls are available on the iPad

    • Please be careful with this feature.

      • Parental controls can block iPad features that will be needed at school. Please consult the school for clarification

      • If you forget the password, the device will need to be wiped and reset to factory settings

      • Detailed instructions can be found here