Keeping your Child Safe Online
What is internet safety?
Internet safety refers to the act of staying safe online. It is also commonly known as internet safety, e-safety and cyber safety.
Why is it important?
Internet safety is important as it allows individuals to protect themselves and others from online harms and risks. Online harm and risks can jeopardise an individual’s personal information, lead to unsafe communications or even affect their mental health and wellbeing.
Stats and Facts
- On average, 3-4 year olds spend over 6 hours a week online
- 54% of 3-4 year olds own their own electronic device, most having a tablet or smartphone
- Fewer than 50% of parents of 3-4 year olds believe the benefits of the internet outweigh the risks
Majority of children use a mobile phone (72%) or electronic tablet (69%) to go online - YouTube is the most widely used site by children
Stats according to ofcom.org.uk
Benefits
Although the thought of your child having access to the internet can be daunting, it can have a positive impact on your child and their development. Some of the benefits include…
- Opportunities to promote creativity and learning
- Language development
- Improves numeracy and literacy skills
- Greater understanding of the world
- Development of digital skills
- Access to a wealth of information
Challenges
Even though there are multiple benefits of allowing your child access to the internet, it is still important to understand the risks and challenges that come with online use.
- Impact on children’s ability to control their emotions
- Displacement of activities that promote social interaction vital for development
- Risk of being exposed to inappropriate content
Top Tips
Explore the internet together
Talk to your child about what the internet is, how it’s used and what it is used for. It’s a great idea for you to both look at what fun and educational activities you can do together. Make sure you let your child know what to do if they see anything upsetting – they should tell you straight away.
Passwords
Keep all devices out of the reach of your children and set passwords on them all. This way, you know exactly when your child is using the device and accessing the internet. This also stops your child from making any additional purchases on your devices and accounts.
Be involved
Encourage your child to use their devices and access the internet in the same room as you. This way, you can keep an eye on how they use the internet.
Use age appropriate sites and apps
Age appropriate apps and sites are applications and websites that help children and young people navigate online content and online social spaces, without being able to accidentally come across inappropriate content. On app stores such as Google Play and Apple App Store, applications show an age rating, so you can easily tell if the download will be appropriate for your child. Below are some safe and educational apps for children.
- YouTube Kids
- Sky Kids
- BBC iPlayer Kids
- Nick JR
- BBC CBeebies Storytime
- Toca Boca
- Fisher Price Apps
- Digiduck Big Decision
Control
Most applications available to us have parental controls. Internet browsers and softwares such as Windows, Google, IOS and Android. This allows you to block sites that show inappropriate or harmful content so your children cannot access this.
Set boundaries
It is never too early to start setting boundaries with your children. Once your child starts to use devices and access the internet, it’s a good idea to set rules on how they can use the internet and technology, what apps they can use/sites they can access and how long they can spend on there.
Search safety
If you let your child search independently, make sure you have safe search settings activated.
Resources
Internet Matters: https://www.internetmatters.org/schools-esafety/pre-school/
PACEY: https://www.pacey.org.uk/working-in-childcare/spotlight-on/online-safety/
Safeguarding Network: https://safeguarding.network/content/online-safety-advice-for-early-years-settings/
