Online safety; How to keep my child safe

One of the most common questions about online safety I get asked by parents is: How do I keep my child safe online?

With technological advances rapidly evolving and social media access more readily available at younger ages, it’s vital that parents also keep up to date with how to manage their children’s appropriate use of material and gaming online.

The online world of social media (Snapchat, Instagram, Musical.ly, Facebook etc.) and gaming (Fortnite, Roblox, Minecraft etc.)  offers endless possibilities for connecting, learning and fun.  However, as children become more active online, there is a need to put guidelines in place to help kids manage their online behaviour. Yet, for many parents this can be both a challenging and daunting task.

One of the most important protective factors for child online safety is that children and parents agree on guidelines around safe online behaviour.

If you’re not sure about what might be appropriate guidelines, a good place to start is The Carly Ryan Foundation.

This website advises using a Family Online Safety Contract with your children to get a conversation started to ensure that everyone understands expectations around safe and appropriate online behaviour.

As online gaming becomes increasingly popular and as children spend extended periods of time playing online with others, such a contract makes it easier to have a discussion and make decisions around online time, appropriate language to use, and the dangers of interacting with strangers online.

So, if you haven’t done so already, have the conversation with your kids, as having a conversation with a Primary school aged child is a perfect time to start this conversation and develop positive habits.

The following websites also provide some great tips and advice for parents and young people about how to keep safe online, recommended age limits regarding social media access, as well as avenues to report complaints and illegal content.

Stay Smart Online

Think U Know

Office of the eSafety Commissioner

Age limit for kids on social media

I hope you find this advice helpful, but if you require any further support or additional guidance, please feel free to contact us here at Attuned Psychology and one of our experienced Psychologists will be able to assist.

John Pertl

Psychologist