In this guide, you\u2019ll find tips on how to keep your children safe online and prepare them for browsing independently as they get older.<\/p>\n
\n
Have an honest and open discussion<\/h3>\n
As you would with real life risks, teach your kids about the dangers of the internet in a calm and non-alarming manner. Instead of alarming them, empower them to make safe and sensible choices on their own accord.<\/p>\n
One of the best ways to do this is to ask your children what concerns them about the internet. You\u2019re likely to get different response based on the age of your child; younger children will generally worry about \u201d\u02dcscary\u2019 content while older children may express concern about cyberbullying or social media. This not only starts a conversation but helps you determine what is and isn\u2019t appropriate to talk about.<\/p>\n
Maintaining an open and honest dialogue with your children is key to a healthy and safe internet experience. Take time regularly to ask what they\u2019ve been up to and if anything they\u2019ve seen has worried them.<\/p>\n
\n
![\"YouTube\"](\"http:\/\/192.168.3.178\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/YouTube.jpg\")
<\/h3>\nSupervise your children (especially on YouTube)<\/h3>\n
You\u2019re never more than a couple of clicks away from something potentially disturbing on the internet, so it\u2019s vital to supervise your children.<\/p>\n
Of course, it\u2019s not realistic to sit over your child\u2019s shoulder every minute they\u2019re online. But it\u2019s easy enough to ask them what they\u2019re planning to do and then check in every 10 minutes or so.<\/p>\n
Your level of supervision will depend on the kind of content they\u2019re accessing too. YouTube, for example, is full of videos that may disturb or upset children (even if the content isn\u2019t obviously offensive), so it\u2019s important to regularly check what your child is watching. Games, on the other hand, are generally okay provided you\u2019ve set up controls to prevent in-app purchases (more on that later) and they aren\u2019t multiplayer.<\/p>\n
\n
If they\u2019ve seen something, talk about it<\/h3>\n
The internet is so vast that the chances of your children encountering something that upsets them, even if it\u2019s fairly innocent to an adult, is high.<\/p>\n
Although you can\u2019t always avoid disturbing content, talking about it can alleviate some of your child\u2019s stress and anxiety. Just remember to remain calm and avoid judging them on content they\u2019ve viewed.<\/p>\n
However, children often remain silent if something has upset them so you should begin the process — even if it\u2019s something as simple as saying \u201cif you see something that scares or worries you, talk to us.\u201d\u009d Alternatively, ask if they\u2019ve seen anything that has upset or confused them recently and stay alert to any unusual changes in behaviour.<\/p>\n
\n
![\"Girl](\"http:\/\/192.168.3.178\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/phone.jpg\")
<\/a><\/h3>\n\nPhoto by Oleg Magni<\/a> on Unsplash<\/a><\/em><\/div>\n<\/div>\nTeach them responsible online behaviour<\/h3>\n
Like real life, there are certain rules children should follow to stay safe online. We\u2019ll list a few important lessons below but the easiest way to think about it, and one that may help your children adapt these rules, is \u201cif you wouldn\u2019t do something in real life, don\u2019t do it online\u201d\u009d.<\/p>\n
Don\u2019t contact strangers directly: <\/b>Your children are likely to encounter strangers on a regular basis; in YouTube comments, in online games and elsewhere.<\/p>\n
This isn\u2019t anything to worry about per se but remind your children not to directly engage with a stranger – especially if they\u2019re contacted first. Emphasise that not everyone online is who they say they are, even if they\u2019re convincing.<\/p>\n
Think carefully before posting: <\/b>Tell your children to assume everything that post is permanent and ask them to consider the potential consequences of a post – not just now but in the future with universities, employers and so on.<\/p>\n
Don\u2019t give out personal information: <\/b>Children are more likely to hand over personal information than adults, although not as likely as you\u2019d expect. Remind them not to give out their real name, address, telephone number of the name of their school.<\/p>\n
Don\u2019t click on links or websites you don\u2019t recognise (or ask first): <\/b>You can restrict certain content using content filters and parental controls but children are still at risk of clicking on potentially virus-laden links or harmful websites. Encourage your child to tell you before they visit a new website or click on a link, and educate them on the consequences of viruses and malware.<\/p>\n
To enforce these rules, the NSPCC suggests creating a family agreement outlining the rules for internet usage for both children and parents. You can download a template here<\/a>.<\/p>\n
\nEducate them on cyberbullying and trolling<\/h3>\n
No-one wants to expose their children to the darker side of the web but its unlikely to disappear anytime soon, so you should at least tell your children about it.<\/p>\n
Teach your children about the risks of cyberbullying and trolling in a sensitive and appropriate manner. By emphasising that this is a common occurance and often conducted by sad, lonely people, its power is diminished and your children are less likely to feel the impact if they are ever exposed.<\/p>\n
If you suspect your child is being cyberbullied, follow the same guidance as dealing with offline bullying; ask them how they feel and how they want you to deal with it, emphasise that it\u2019s not their fault and tell their school (if another pupil is involved).<\/p>\n
\nMonitor their activity<\/h3>\n
It\u2019s impossible to stand over your child\u2019s shoulder and monitor every single thing they\u2019re doing, but make sure to keep a regular eye on the content they\u2019re viewing and, if they\u2019re older, who they\u2019re messaging.<\/p>\n
There are a few rules you can put in place to ensure your kids aren\u2019t accessing anything inappropriate while you aren\u2019t monitoring them too:<\/p>\n
– Only watch content from verified YouTube channels<\/p>\n
– Don\u2019t download anything without permission<\/p>\n
– Never post or share photos of themselves with strangers<\/p>\n
– Set all of their profiles to private<\/p>\n
– Never meet up with anyone you\u2019ve met online.<\/p>\n
\n![\"Apps\"](\"http:\/\/192.168.3.178\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/apps.jpg\")
<\/a><\/h3>\n\nPhoto by William Hook<\/a> on <\/em>Unsplash<\/em><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\nUnderstand the apps and content your children are accessing<\/h3>\n
New apps, content and crazes emerge constantly and keeping on top of it all is tough. It\u2019s vital that you do though, as YouTube personalities, social media accounts and even random strangers can be hugely influential on a child\u2019s mentality.<\/p>\n
The easiest way to do this is to bookmark NetAware<\/a>, which offers in-depth guides to more or less every social network, game and app around. They ask children and parents to review each app and provide a risk assessment for various content too, including sexual content, violence & hatred, bullying, suicide & self harm, drinks, drugs and crime.<\/p>\n
\nUse parental controls and settings<\/h3>\n
Parental controls allow you to block upsetting content, control purchases and manage your children\u2019s time online.<\/p>\n
Most devices offer some form of parental control and internet providers usually provide tools to filter out offensive and harmful content too. Guides to setting up these tools can usually be found on the manufacturer or service provider\u2019s website but if you really aren\u2019t sure, give the NSPCC\u2019s dedicated helpline a call on 0808 800 5002.<\/p>\n
Another good tip is to disable auto-connectivity on your children\u2019s devices and hide away any Wi-Fi passwords. That way, your children can\u2019t connect to the internet without your express permission.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s important to emphasise that while controls and filters are useful, they aren\u2019t a complete solution to online safety. Content like the Momo challenge would likely make it through most filters, so combine your controls with the monitoring and education tips provided earlier in this guide.<\/p>\n
\nBe vigilant<\/h3>\n
There\u2019s no denying that the internet contains disturbing and harmful content. However, the threat of this content is often overstated – as demonstrated by the hysteria surrounding the Momo challenge, which may not even exist. Ironically, the panic around the Momo challenge may actually inspire people to create content similar to that reported and has certainly scared children unnecessarily.<\/p>\n
So the best approach is to treat every reported threat with a degree of scepticism. Do your research to determine whether or not you feel your children are at risk and, whatever you do, don\u2019t share reports or scare stories on social media without having the full facts first – it can make matters worse!<\/p>\n
\n![\"Passcode\"](\"http:\/\/192.168.3.178\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/passcode.jpg\")
<\/a><\/h3>\n\nPhoto by Yura Fresh<\/a> on <\/em>Unsplash<\/em><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\nSecure their devices and accounts<\/h3>\n
This is a tip for adults rather than kids. Make sure all of your children\u2019s devices have antivirus software and that accounts are protected by strong and secure passwords (and tell your kids why you\u2019re setting these passwords). Scan your children\u2019s devices for malware on a regular basis too.<\/p>\n
\nStay positive<\/h3>\n
Given the tone of recent media reports, you\u2019d be forgiven for thinking the internet is a lawless place full of people looking to harm children. While those threats undoubtedly exist, it\u2019s important to remember that the internet will play an important part in the rest of your children\u2019s lives – so don\u2019t scare them. Tell them about all the good things the internet has given us and how much easier it\u2019s made life. Teach them about the capabilities of technology and debunk any scare stories too.<\/p>\n
Most importantly, tell them that – like the real world – the internet is full of good and bad thing, and that it\u2019s important to remain vigilant but ultimately to try and enjoy yourself.<\/p>\n
\nWe hope you\u2019ve found the tips in this guide useful. If you have any questions, feel free to leave us a comment below.<\/p>\n
And if you\u2019re looking for great value refurbished phones<\/a>, check out the musicMagpie Store. We\u2019ve got thousands of handsets at amazing prices, all with FREE delivery and a 12 month warranty. Why wouldn\u2019t you?<\/p>\n
Teach them responsible online behaviour<\/h3>\n
Like real life, there are certain rules children should follow to stay safe online. We\u2019ll list a few important lessons below but the easiest way to think about it, and one that may help your children adapt these rules, is \u201cif you wouldn\u2019t do something in real life, don\u2019t do it online\u201d\u009d.<\/p>\n
Don\u2019t contact strangers directly: <\/b>Your children are likely to encounter strangers on a regular basis; in YouTube comments, in online games and elsewhere.<\/p>\n
This isn\u2019t anything to worry about per se but remind your children not to directly engage with a stranger – especially if they\u2019re contacted first. Emphasise that not everyone online is who they say they are, even if they\u2019re convincing.<\/p>\n
Think carefully before posting: <\/b>Tell your children to assume everything that post is permanent and ask them to consider the potential consequences of a post – not just now but in the future with universities, employers and so on.<\/p>\n
Don\u2019t give out personal information: <\/b>Children are more likely to hand over personal information than adults, although not as likely as you\u2019d expect. Remind them not to give out their real name, address, telephone number of the name of their school.<\/p>\n
Don\u2019t click on links or websites you don\u2019t recognise (or ask first): <\/b>You can restrict certain content using content filters and parental controls but children are still at risk of clicking on potentially virus-laden links or harmful websites. Encourage your child to tell you before they visit a new website or click on a link, and educate them on the consequences of viruses and malware.<\/p>\n
To enforce these rules, the NSPCC suggests creating a family agreement outlining the rules for internet usage for both children and parents. You can download a template here<\/a>.<\/p>\n No-one wants to expose their children to the darker side of the web but its unlikely to disappear anytime soon, so you should at least tell your children about it.<\/p>\n Teach your children about the risks of cyberbullying and trolling in a sensitive and appropriate manner. By emphasising that this is a common occurance and often conducted by sad, lonely people, its power is diminished and your children are less likely to feel the impact if they are ever exposed.<\/p>\n If you suspect your child is being cyberbullied, follow the same guidance as dealing with offline bullying; ask them how they feel and how they want you to deal with it, emphasise that it\u2019s not their fault and tell their school (if another pupil is involved).<\/p>\n It\u2019s impossible to stand over your child\u2019s shoulder and monitor every single thing they\u2019re doing, but make sure to keep a regular eye on the content they\u2019re viewing and, if they\u2019re older, who they\u2019re messaging.<\/p>\n There are a few rules you can put in place to ensure your kids aren\u2019t accessing anything inappropriate while you aren\u2019t monitoring them too:<\/p>\n – Only watch content from verified YouTube channels<\/p>\n – Don\u2019t download anything without permission<\/p>\n – Never post or share photos of themselves with strangers<\/p>\n – Set all of their profiles to private<\/p>\n – Never meet up with anyone you\u2019ve met online.<\/p>\n New apps, content and crazes emerge constantly and keeping on top of it all is tough. It\u2019s vital that you do though, as YouTube personalities, social media accounts and even random strangers can be hugely influential on a child\u2019s mentality.<\/p>\n The easiest way to do this is to bookmark NetAware<\/a>, which offers in-depth guides to more or less every social network, game and app around. They ask children and parents to review each app and provide a risk assessment for various content too, including sexual content, violence & hatred, bullying, suicide & self harm, drinks, drugs and crime.<\/p>\n Parental controls allow you to block upsetting content, control purchases and manage your children\u2019s time online.<\/p>\n Most devices offer some form of parental control and internet providers usually provide tools to filter out offensive and harmful content too. Guides to setting up these tools can usually be found on the manufacturer or service provider\u2019s website but if you really aren\u2019t sure, give the NSPCC\u2019s dedicated helpline a call on 0808 800 5002.<\/p>\n Another good tip is to disable auto-connectivity on your children\u2019s devices and hide away any Wi-Fi passwords. That way, your children can\u2019t connect to the internet without your express permission.<\/p>\n It\u2019s important to emphasise that while controls and filters are useful, they aren\u2019t a complete solution to online safety. Content like the Momo challenge would likely make it through most filters, so combine your controls with the monitoring and education tips provided earlier in this guide.<\/p>\n There\u2019s no denying that the internet contains disturbing and harmful content. However, the threat of this content is often overstated – as demonstrated by the hysteria surrounding the Momo challenge, which may not even exist. Ironically, the panic around the Momo challenge may actually inspire people to create content similar to that reported and has certainly scared children unnecessarily.<\/p>\n So the best approach is to treat every reported threat with a degree of scepticism. Do your research to determine whether or not you feel your children are at risk and, whatever you do, don\u2019t share reports or scare stories on social media without having the full facts first – it can make matters worse!<\/p>\n This is a tip for adults rather than kids. Make sure all of your children\u2019s devices have antivirus software and that accounts are protected by strong and secure passwords (and tell your kids why you\u2019re setting these passwords). Scan your children\u2019s devices for malware on a regular basis too.<\/p>\n Given the tone of recent media reports, you\u2019d be forgiven for thinking the internet is a lawless place full of people looking to harm children. While those threats undoubtedly exist, it\u2019s important to remember that the internet will play an important part in the rest of your children\u2019s lives – so don\u2019t scare them. Tell them about all the good things the internet has given us and how much easier it\u2019s made life. Teach them about the capabilities of technology and debunk any scare stories too.<\/p>\n Most importantly, tell them that – like the real world – the internet is full of good and bad thing, and that it\u2019s important to remain vigilant but ultimately to try and enjoy yourself.<\/p>\n We hope you\u2019ve found the tips in this guide useful. If you have any questions, feel free to leave us a comment below.<\/p>\n And if you\u2019re looking for great value refurbished phones<\/a>, check out the musicMagpie Store. We\u2019ve got thousands of handsets at amazing prices, all with FREE delivery and a 12 month warranty. Why wouldn\u2019t you?<\/p>\n
\nEducate them on cyberbullying and trolling<\/h3>\n
\nMonitor their activity<\/h3>\n
\n<\/a><\/h3>\nUnderstand the apps and content your children are accessing<\/h3>\n
\nUse parental controls and settings<\/h3>\n
\nBe vigilant<\/h3>\n
\n<\/a><\/h3>\nSecure their devices and accounts<\/h3>\n
\nStay positive<\/h3>\n
\n
![\"SHOP](\"http:\/\/192.168.3.178\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/SHOP-NOW.png\")
<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"