Six tips to keep your kids safe on their phones – and how to deal with bullies
SCHOOLS in England have been issued new guidelines aimed at preventing pupils from using mobile phones while on site.
The government said the measure was part of a plan to “minimize disruption and improve behavior in classrooms”.
But what's the best way to keep your kids safe outside of these hours?
Expert Dr Elly Hanson guides Alison Maloney through the ultimate mobile survival guide for modern parents. . .
WHAT PARENTAL CONTROLS CAN I PLACE ON MY CHILD'S PHONE?
5
As soon as children get a smartphone, the world is their oyster.
It's worth talking about boundaries from day one.
READ MORE ABOUT MOBILE PHONES
You can set parental controls through your service provider or through phone settings to restrict access to certain platforms.
The NSPCC's parent toolkit takes you through the controls you can set, as well as the conversations you can have with your children.
SHOULD I INSTALL SOFTWARE TO MONITOR THEM WITHOUT THEIR KNOWLEDGE?
WHILE it may be tempting to spy on your child, trust is the most important factor when it comes to having conversations about the things the child sees and does online.
I'm not in favor of parental control apps that let you see what your child is up to, because I believe that should be driven by open conversations with you as a parent and built on trust between you.
How can I make sure my child is watching age-appropriate content?
5
OFCOM research found that 32 percent of children between the ages of eight and 17 had registered with a false date of birth, while a 2023 survey found that 22 percent of children between the ages of fourteen and eighteen had viewed porn multiple times.
It is often just a check mark to confirm that you are over 18.
The only way to prevent children from accessing adult sites is to be open and have a relationship based on trust.
HOW CAN I TALK TO MY CHILD ABOUT WHAT THEY CAN ACCESS?
PARENTS should be open with children and start talking to them from a place of curiosity, rather than judgment.
For example, a parent who doesn't understand how TikTok works can leverage that lack of knowledge by telling their child, “Show me your feed. Show me how it works and what you find funny. Let's investigate.”
That forms a solid basis for then talking about the harmful things.
HOW SHOULD I TACKLE ONLINE BULLYING AND SEXTING?
5
It is very important that your children know that you are someone they can turn to.
Give them online safety advice and emphasize that if something bad happens, they can talk to you and you won't be angry.
Even if they have sent a sexual image or are being blackmailed to do so.
Let them know that the most important thing is their safety and that they won't get into any trouble.
Should I take my children's phones away before bedtime?
5
BEHIND the bedroom door, children can use their phone the way they want.
This is often the time when the worst damage occurs.
The night is a risk period, especially for bullying.
There seems to be different rules – it becomes more of a “wild west” and people's inhibitions disappear.
A child should not have his phone at night.
Remove it an hour before bedtime so that the emotional stimulation and light don't keep them awake.