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Our children are growing up with technology as an important part of their daily lives. Find out ways to keep them safe as they learn and connect through devices at home. 

Challenges for kids

 

Social media

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

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 guide

TikTok

TikTok 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 guide

Snapchat

Snapchat 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 guide

Youtube

Youtube 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

Gaming

 

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: 

  • Checking the rating of the game.
  • Set up privacy settings in the game.
  • Using parental controls to limit time.
Netsafe has put together some frequently asked questions  about gaming for parents. 
 

Adult content

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

Parental controls

Digital addiction

As devices are so present in children's lives, it can be difficult to find the balance between screen time and real-world experiences. As child physcologist Dr Emma Woodward notes, children can understand that too much screen time isn't healthy, but due to the way a child's brain works, they aren't necessarily going to see things from your point of view. And they possibly won't want to reduce their time on screens as it is something they enjoy and their brains love too. 

Family agreement

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

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