School’s out for Christmas! With the holiday season in full swing, it’s important to stay prepared. For many children and young people, time online often increases during this period.
Smartphones—and other devices like tablets—are likely to top many children and teenagers’ wish lists this festive season. For parents and carers, though, gifting such devices can bring mixed feelings. Concerns about excessive screen time, the impact of social media on mental health, and online safety are all valid. However, when used responsibly, smartphones can provide significant benefits for young people. They can help maintain connections with distant family members, foster a sense of belonging through meaningful online communities, and bridge social gaps for those in rural areas.
To support parents and carers, we’re offering practical advice on how to help keep young people safe while they use the internet, engage with social media, and enjoy online gaming.
To make a smartphone a positive addition to your child’s life, it’s important to approach its use with the right tools and proactive guidance.
Tips for Safer Smartphone Use:
Start Simple: A new device with basic features like calling, messaging, YouTube Kids, and video calling for family connections poses fewer risks than a hand-me-down phone filled with unrestricted apps.
Reset Old Devices: If you’re passing on an old phone, ensure it’s factory reset before giving it to your child. This prevents them from accessing old apps, data, or settings that may not be age-appropriate.
Manage Contacts and Content: Set up a carefully curated contact list and restrict app downloads to those suitable for their age and maturity.
By providing guidance and implementing security measures, a smartphone can be a tool for learning, connection, and growth while minimizing potential risks.
Regular communication is the most effective way to help keep young people safe online. By making these conversations a natural part of daily life—just like asking about their day at school—you create a relaxed environment where they feel comfortable sharing. This openness increases the likelihood that they’ll come to you if they have any concerns.
However, it’s understandable for parents and carers to feel overwhelmed by the ever-evolving technology, the unique language children use, and the sheer variety of games and apps available, along with their potential risks.
Video games age ratings explained
Paying attention to age ratings for video games is essential, but it can sometimes be confusing due to differing guidelines. For instance, Clash of Clans is rated Everyone 10+ on Google Play, 7+ under the PEGI rating system, and 13+ by its developer, Supercell.
When selecting video games for your child, it’s important to:
Review the age ratings provided by various platforms.
Understand the reasons behind those ratings.
Take your child’s maturity level and developmental stage into account.
This thoughtful approach helps ensure that the games they play are appropriate and safe for their individual needs.
For more guidance on video game ratings and understanding the differences between them, click the link below:
What you can do to help keep your child safe online
To keep young people safe online, it’s important to ensure they don’t sign up for social media accounts they’re too young for. Adhering to age requirements significantly reduces their risk of encountering inappropriate content.
If your child does have a social media account, following them allows you to monitor the content they post and interact with, giving you insight to guide them effectively. However, be aware that privacy settings can prevent you from seeing everything, as users can exclude others from viewing specific content without notification.
Here are some key tips for navigating social media safety with young people:
Discuss the pros and cons of social media. Regularly remind them to think carefully before sharing anything online.
Talk about connections. Encourage them to let you know who they are connecting with and ensure they only engage with people they know in the real world. Advise them to decline friend requests from strangers.
Set boundaries for purchases. Make it clear they need your permission before buying anything online.
Promote openness. Let them know it’s safe to come to you if they see or hear anything online that feels scary or uncomfortable.
Warn against meeting online contacts in person. Emphasize that they should never arrange to meet someone they’ve only interacted with online.
Online negativity is inevitable, so teach them to block, mute, or report unkind behavior—and ideally to use all three options when necessary. If you have concerns about anything your child has seen or experienced online, contact your Social Worker for guidance on the next steps.
Tackling difficult conversations
Some conversations with your child may feel challenging, but they are essential for addressing worries or issues they might be facing online. Topics like viewing adult websites, sharing inappropriate content, encountering explicit or upsetting material, or experiencing bullying can bring up emotions like fear, anxiety, shame, or embarrassment. Here’s how to navigate these discussions effectively:
Stay Calm and Non-Judgmental
If the issue has triggered strong emotions like anger, fear, or concern, take some time to process your feelings before starting the conversation. Talking while upset can impact how the message is delivered.
If needed, confide in someone you trust or seek advice from your child’s school, such as their teacher or the Designated Safeguarding Lead, before addressing the issue directly.
Use a Gentle and Subtle Approach
Avoid being forceful, as this could cause your child to shut down. Instead, ease into the topic by referencing something they may have discussed at school, seen on TV, or heard about on the radio.
Encourage them to talk by listening patiently, even if there are moments of silence as they gather their thoughts.
Provide Context and Information
Explain why certain actions, behaviors, or content are inappropriate, harmful, or even illegal. Providing this context helps children critically assess situations rather than simply following rules.
Share your family’s values and explain why some things may be acceptable for others but not appropriate for them.
Build Trust by Avoiding Overreaction
If they admit to seeing or doing something inappropriate, avoid reacting in a way that feels punitive. For example, if they accidentally view explicit content, removing their device may feel like punishment for something beyond their control.
Instead, use the moment to discuss how they can handle similar situations in the future and reassure them that openness will not be met with punishment.
Maintain Open Communication
By staying calm, understanding, and approachable, you create an environment where your child feels safe coming to you with their concerns. This openness is crucial for helping them navigate the challenges of the online world while building their confidence to handle difficult situations responsibly.
If you have concerns about anything your child has seen or experienced online, contact your Social Worker for guidance on the next steps.
We wish you all a joyous Christmas and a happy New Year!
Stay safe and take care!
Parallel Parents
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