The internet is undeniably one of the most remarkable inventions in history and serves as an incredibly valuable tool for various purposes such as entertainment, communication, sharing memories, and acquiring knowledge. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that the internet also poses numerous risks that children must be protected from.
Monitoring and staying informed about your children's online activities can appear to be a daunting task. Given the constant advancements in technology, parents often feel that their children possess a greater understanding of the internet than they do.
The following guidance and resources have been specifically curated to assist parents and caregivers in ensuring the utmost safety for their children while they are online. Our primary recommendation is to cultivate a sense of curiosity regarding your children's online endeavors, take a genuine interest in their activities, and regularly monitor their online behavior.
Helpful guidance for parents
Check that your internet service provider provides parental controls so you can add a layer of security for your children and filter out inappropriate content. The website links below also contain advice about this. If your child has a mobile phone check the settings on this too
Talk to your child about online safety and take an interest in their activity. Especially encourage them to talk to you about anything which is worrying them online
Keep online passwords safe and secure and change them often. Don’t let any of your networks be open or discoverable
Agree on ground rules for safe use of the internet at home. For example, limit the amount of time children can spend online in any one go and restrict access at bedtime
Be App aware. Many devices require downloading an app. You should check the privacy settings and permissions of any apps you download, as well as the product itself.
Be device aware. Make sure your security settings include all internet enabled devices including smart TV’s and game consoles
Report any concerns you have.