In January 2023, the Children’s Commissioner for England recently published a shocking report about the effects of pornography on our young people, driving home the need for parents to be knowledgeable on how they can keep their children safe online. In this blog, we will cover 8 ways you can do just that by monitoring your children’s online activity.
1) Use Parental Controls
Most devices and internet providers offer parental controls to restrict access to inappropriate content and set time limits. Parental controls are easy to set up and are an effective way to protect your child. For instance, you can use Google’s Family Link to control your child’s Google account and set restrictions on apps and websites they can access. You can also use parental control features built into your child’s device, such as Apple’s Screen Time, which allows you to limit app usage and set time restrictions that can be unlocked with passwords.
2) Install Monitoring Software
Monitoring software is another way to keep an eye on your child’s online activity. It allows you to track your child’s web history, social media use, and chat room conversations. Some popular options include:
- Net Nanny
- Norton Family Premier
- Qustodio
With these software tools, you can set up alerts to notify you of any concerning activity or track your child’s location. It is important to note that installing monitoring software may lead to trust issues with your child, so be sure to discuss the reasons behind your decision with them and make sure they understand any reasons you may have.
3) Educate Your Children About Online Safety
Following on from our last point, teaching your child about online safety is crucial for their protection. It is essential to have open communication with your child and educate them about the potential dangers of the internet. This includes talking to them about the importance of keeping personal information private, avoiding interactions with strangers online, and being mindful of cyberbullying. You can also teach them to identify scams and phishing attempts.
We have an entire section of our website dedicated to e-safety packed full of lots of free resources and information for you to use.
4) Keep Devices in Common Areas
By keeping devices in common areas such as the living room or kitchen, you can monitor your child’s online activity more easily. This allows you to observe what your child is doing online and limit the amount of time they spend on the internet. It is a good idea to establish screen-free zones, such as the dinner table, to encourage family time and reduce screen time.
5) Be Open and Honest
It is essential to have an open and honest relationship with your child when it comes to online safety. Let them know that you’re monitoring their online activity, not because you don’t trust them, but because you want to keep them safe. Encourage them to come to you if they encounter anything online that makes them feel uncomfortable. It is also important to avoid overreacting to every little thing your child encounters online. Establish a culture of openness and transparency that allows your child to feel safe discussing their online activity with you.
6) Talk to Other Parents and Carers in Your Community About Online Safety
It can be helpful to discuss online safety with other parents and carers in your community. You can exchange tips and advice, and learn from each other’s experiences. This can be especially valuable if you’re a new parent and unsure where to start. You can also learn about any online dangers specific to your local area or school. Consider joining a parent-teacher association or community group that focuses on internet safety. By working together, you can create a safer online environment for your children.
7) Keep Up-to-Date With the Latest Trends and Apps
Children are often at the forefront of new online trends and apps. It’s essential to stay informed about what they’re using to ensure their safety. Apps and social media platforms can quickly change, and new ones can emerge out of nowhere. As a parent, it’s your responsibility to keep up with the latest online trends and their associated risks. You can subscribe to our newsletter and follow us online to keep up to date on the latest information you need on internet safety. As a parent, it’s also important to familiarise yourself with the different social media age restrictions as these can differ from app to app and can change periodically.
8) Consider Setting up Internet Safety Rules for Your Household
Establishing internet safety rules for your household is another way to keep your child safe online. You can set rules, such as, no devices in the bedroom, no sharing personal information online, and no downloading apps without parental approval. It’s essential to establish consequences for breaking these rules, such as, losing device privileges. Consider having a family discussion to establish rules and consequences together. This can help your child understand the importance of staying safe online and create a sense of accountability.
Conclusion:
The internet can be an incredible resource for children, but it also comes with risks. As a parent, it is essential to monitor your child’s online activity and have discussions around e-safety to ensure their safety. Take action by talking to other parents and carers in your community, staying up-to-date with the latest online trends and apps, and setting up internet safety rules for your household and create a safer online environment for your child. Remember, protecting your child’s online safety is an ongoing process. Keep learning, keep exploring, and keep discussing internet safety with your child. Remember to keep an open and honest relationship with your child and encourage them to come to you if they ever encounter anything online that makes them feel uncomfortable.
At BulliesOut we have a FREE e-safety for parents course which covers:
- E-Safety and Online Bullying
- The Dangers of Technology
- Understanding Social Networking Sites
- Online Risks & Consequences
- Digital Footprint
- Staying Safe when Using Technology
We also have a dedicated page containing lots of information for parents and carers.
