A safer internet for the whole family

1st February 2019

The theme of this year’s Safer Internet Day is “together for a safer internet”, and we all have a role to play. This is why communication between the whole family is important, and together, you can empower yourselves to stay safe online.

1. Let your child educate you. Be curious about what apps your child is using, what games they’re playing, who they’re talking to online. Let them teach you how it works. You can’t be expected to be a digital wizard, and your child knows more than you about their online world. Let them having fun teaching you!
   
   
2. Set appropriate boundaries. Familiarise yourself with parental controls, and use them. Discuss boundaries with your child, and set boundaries on screen time too.It’s particularly important to reduce screen time at bed time so your child can get a good sleep.
   
   
3. Be a role model. Your child is learning from you. Set a positive example - set screen time boundaries for yourself, too, and make sure your child sees that you are polite and kind to others - both face to face and online.
   
   
4. Do fun, offline activities as a family. Put down your phones and tablets and do something together! Spend some quality time offline.
   
   
5. Have open conversations. Make sure your child knows that they can talk to you about anything that’s bothering them and they can talk to you if they see or experience anything online that worries them, upsets them, or doesn’t feel quite right. Let them know you’re on their team, and you’ll help them.
   
   
6. Explore online safety together. Encourage your child to report unsafe or bullying content, and explore how to do this together. Talk about options for solving problems and find out what they’d like to happen. You’re in this together.

Sometimes you might need help. Kidscape is with you.