How To Keep Kids Safe Online This Christmas
With Christmas around the corner, and tech gifts such as smartphones, smartwatches and internet-connected gadgets and toys at the top of many kids’ wish lists, keeping kids safe while online has never been more important. With sales of smartphones stepping up towards the run-up to Christmas, and research from Mozilla and Ofcom highlighting how internet-connected toys are a privacy nightmare and half of children have seen harmful content online respectively, there is a need to help parents keep kids safe online this Christmas.
Belle About Town spoke to Martina Larkin, CEO at global safer internet impact organisation, the non-profit Project Liberty, to learn her six most important pieces of advice to help parents and guardians keep kids safe online this Christmas.
Do Your Research
Before buying a present, research the manufacturer’s cybersecurity history and privacy policy. Also, speak with other parents and guardians about their experiences with the toy or manufacturer.
Spend time this Christmas using your children’s favourite apps. Explore the settings before gifting, and how they work so you are ready to keep them safe online.
Set up Parental Controls
Set up parental controls before handing over a new toy or mobile device. Most operating systems on mobile phones, tablets, and laptops have them built in, and often, they just need activating.
However, don’t rely on one set of parental controls. Use all the tools available and check out parental controls in your children’s apps, operating systems, and even with your internet provider.
Create A Safe Space
Create a safe, open environment where children feel safe talking and asking questions about online safety. Use this space to discuss what your children do online, how they keep themselves safe, who their online friends are, and what apps and games they use.
Set clear ground rules for being online so children know what they can and can’t do and why it is essential to follow the rules.
Think About Online Presence
Think about how you protect yourself online and add to it.
Be mindful of what personal information children share and try to limit it. Avoid sharing location details or using full names in games or apps. Where a name is needed, limit what is shared by using initials instead of full names.
Avoid sharing personal images online too. Instead of using a picture of your child, use their favourite cartoon character, action hero, or animal.
Check-in Regularly
Online child safety never ends, so continue to check in regularly with your children. Make online safety an everyday conversation topic and keep updated on what they do online.
Keep informed on the latest news, updates, and conversations around child online safety and be ready to act accordingly. For example, if new parental controls are released, take time to check them out and, if needed, set them up.
Ask For Help
Remember you are not alone, and help is at hand. Speaking with other parents, guardians, schoolteachers, and nursery workers about online safety is a great habit to get into.
If you need more help, there are lots of great resources available. Speak to your child’s schools or nursery for their recommendations. Don’t forget to check out online resources from child safety organisations, including Safe Tech, Safe Kids, Internet Matters, and NSPCC.
