Tips to protect your child in the digital world

In these days, children start using the Internet at early ages and going online and watching TV are part of their daily lives.

It’s crucial that they have access to these webpages that don’t bring them unsuitable content and Ofcom recommends you follow some steps to protect your children from the potential dangers.

Set up PINs on your TV service

Keep an eye on social media sites

Think about controls or settings on your devices

You can set up content filters to help prevent your child from seeing unsuitable content online. This can be parental control software set up on a particular device, or network-level filters offered by your internet service provider, which protect all the devices that use the home broadband service. For more information see Internet Matter’s guide to parental controls.

Talk to your children about staying safe online

If you are aware of their skill level with technology, you will be better able to show them how to be safe online.

Even if you try all you can to keep your child’s safety in place, children my still be able to access content you would prefer them not to see. Ofcom encourage to talk to your children about what they do online and what to do if they see something that they find upsetting. Visit Childnet’s conversation starters for tips and ideas. 

Be aware of cyber-bullying

*Childnet International https://www.childnet.com/, tel: 020 7639 6967.

The site Digital Guardian provides a few ways to help keep your kids safe online:

• Install a reputable anti-virus solution to make sure that your computer is clear of common viruses and malware.

• Teach them the basics and encourage them to ask you any questions they might have.