The festive season often brings exciting new tech into our homes—from tablets and games consoles to smartphones and smartwatches. While these devices offer incredible opportunities for learning and play, they also open new doors to the digital world.
As we settle into the new year, we want to share some quick tips to help our pupils enjoy their new gifts safely and responsibly.
🛡️ Top Tips for a Tech-Safe Home
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Check the Settings: Most new devices have robust "Parental Controls." Take ten minutes to set age limits, restrict in-app purchases, and manage screen time.
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The "Living Room" Rule: Encourage children to use their devices in shared family spaces rather than bedrooms. This makes it easier to stay involved in what they are watching or playing.
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Age Ratings Matter: Check the PEGI rating on games and age requirements for apps. Many popular social media platforms have a minimum age of 13.
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Start the Conversation: Talk to your child about what they love doing online. If they feel they can talk to you about the "cool stuff," they’ll be more likely to come to you if they see something that upsets them.
🔗 Helpful Resources for Parents
If you’re unsure where to start with a specific device, these sites offer excellent step-by-step guides:
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Internet Matters: (internetmatters.org) – Guides by age and device.
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NSPCC: (nspcc.org.uk) – Advice on setting up parental controls.
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Thinkuknow: (thinkuknow.co.uk) – Great activities to do with your children.
We have attached a sample of a 'Family Digital Safety Agreement' for use at home. Printing this out and sticking it on the fridge makes it a 'living' document. It’s not about catching children out; it’s about creating a safe space where they feel they can come to you if anything goes wrong in the digital world.
Let’s work together to make sure our children’s digital journey is a happy and safe one!
