In this constantly developing digital world, it can difficult to keep up with the latest applications that kids are using. Each application provides kids with different ways of connecting with each other such as through imagery, live video and commenting features.
We've teamed up with Netsafe to provide you a guide on the latest social media applications for kids.
Instagram allows for users to share photos and videos instantly with people that "follow" their account. It has a variety of features such as liking, commenting and tagging other users in photos.
Netsafe's Instagram guideTikTok is a recent phenomenon that has rapidly grown in a short space of time. TikTok allows for users to create short videos that can be shared on the platform and viewed by anyone.
Netsafe's TikTok guideSnapchat is an application that gives users the platform to instantly send pictures and vidoes to each other for a limited amount of time. Snapchat also allows for instant messaging between users, that disappears after opening.
Netsafe's Snapchat guideYoutube is an online video sharing platform that allows users to upload video content that can be searched and shared by people all around the world.
Netsafe's Youtube guide
Games can played anywhere, anytime and on multiple devices. With a diverse range of games, it can be difficult to know what your child is playing and whether it's appropriate.
There a variety of ways to ensure that your child is using games in a safe way such as:
As the kids grow into adults they'll need more independence. This independence might mean they come across adult content. The Light Project is a fantastic way to start conversations about what they can do if they come across pornography.
Read more about The Light Project
Tactic one: Children often repeat what they see but not what they’re told. Read about Tactic one
Tactic two: Don’t worry. Getting the advised two hours of screen time a day won’t happen overnight. Read about Tactic two
Tactic three: Smart goals are achievable ones. Pre-planning incremental changes to screen time helps to build towards healthy balance. Read about Tactic three
Tactic four: "It’s boring", "My mates are on their screens" are normal things to hear along the way. Perseverance is key to achieving balance. Read about Tactic four
Tactic five: Reading body language isn’t learnt online. Find out what other social skills children can learn by playing with others in the ‘real world’. Read about Tactic five
Tactic six: Creating positive digital habits now can help set up your children for a healthier future. Read about Tactic six
One way to get the kids on board with things like "no device" time or other family initiatives is to have a discussion as a family. It can also help to make a plan with your kids to ensure they are using digital spaces safely.
How to create on online safety plan
