Search icon

Parenting

10th Sep 2018

Tips for keeping your child safe online that ALL parents should know

Amanda Cassidy

It is never too early to think about your child’s safety online.

My daughter has started watching toy unboxing videos on YouTube and my son loves to see comedy sketches featuring other children. But sometimes we can be lured into a false sense of security and it only takes a few minutes to expose them to something that can be very inappropriate.

If you are a parent of a young child who is just starting to discover the online world, there are a few tips and tricks to help your little one stay internet safe both on screens and on your phone.

1.Chat about it

Have a talk with your child on some of the important things to watch out for when going online for the first time. Young children will not be aware of the dangers, so it is very important to talk with them about who they talk to and about sharing personal information online.

2. Use Parental Controls

Most internet technologies have built-in controls that allow you to limit the amount of time your child can spend online, restrict their access to adult content, and switch o functions like shopping and chatting. Filtering controls are particularly useful at preventing young children from accidentally encountering content that might bother them.

3. Disable In-App Purchases

This is crucial!  Many apps and games give their users the option of buying additional game functionality, additional points/bonuses, and a host of other extras. Children can easily make purchases without even realising. You can disable in-app purchases using your phone or device settings.

4. Activate Safe Search

Help minimise the risk of your child coming across inappropriate content in response to search queries by activating “safe search” in your search engine.

5. Agree on what to do when things go wrong

We recommend that you speak to your child about what to do if they come across something on the internet that bothers them. This could be closing the laptop lid or turning o the screen and coming to get you.

6. Set Up a Family Email

Set up a family email address that your children can use when signing up to new games and websites online.

7. Play it Safe

For young children, we recommend that parents choose safe and appropriate games for their child to play online. Most games have a rating you can check to see if they are age appropriate. You should also check if a game allows for player interaction and if there is a safe chat mode.

And what about tearing them away from the screens?  It is advisable to give them time limits, don’t let them use them in other rooms. You should be beside them when they are online. And don’t forget to limit yourself as you are showing by example. It is a very powerful way to influence your child’s behaviour.

For more information on keeping your child web safe visit www.webswise.ie