Social media and smartphone use is a common thread which runs through the majority of challenges schools face, including:
They are almost always part of harmful behaviour towards others.
Therefore, we would like to offer some helpful advice to parents and carers, based on our experience of supporting young people in a digital age:
Below is a list of links to resources and guidance to support you in keeping your child safe online, and what to do when your child exhibits or experiences troubling behaviour online.
Broadband and mobile network providers
Click below to be taken to step-by-step guidance on setting up parental controls on all major broadband and mobile internet providers:
https://www.internetmatters.org/parental-controls/broadband-mobile/
Broadband, mobile and Wi-Fi providers offer filters to limit the inappropriate content a child might see. As these typically have to be set manually, you’ll find a comprehensive list of parental control guides created to make this process easier to follow, with step-by-step videos and visual instructions.
Remember:
Accessing online content and surfing the internet can be great fun and support learning for the whole family. All family members need to know how to respond if they come across inappropriate content, or content that makes them feel unhappy or scared.
Filtering or controlling access to content alone is not enough to keep your family safe online. It is important to have regular discussions with your family about what is acceptable and unacceptable in terms of content, and the amount of time spent using technology.
Together, you can configure your ISP settings to meet the needs of your family, help prevent access to content you do not want your family to access, and support a balanced lifestyle.
Mobile devices
Click on the relevant links below to be taken to guidance on setting up parental controls on your child’s mobile devices:
Remember:
Using mobile devices such as tablets and smartphones can provide family members with 1:1 access to the internet for gaming, communicating with friends, and accessing a wide range of online content. Be aware that many mobile devices, and all smartphones, have their own internet connections through 3G, 4G and 5G connectivity. This means that any filtering you have in place through your home wireless system can be bypassed.
Configuring your family’s mobile connections and device content settings can help protect family members online, even when they are away from home.
Social media, messaging apps, games and consoles
Click below for helpful information about what parental controls and safety settings are available across the most popular apps, games and devices:
Remember:
Playing games can be great fun and a way to relax for the whole family. It is important that all members of your family:
Configuring your family console settings can help with this, but it is essential to talk openly with your family about these settings and agree clear rules together.
Other useful sites
Click on the logos below for further advice and guidance if you or your child have concerns, or if your child exhibits or experiences troubling behaviour online:
