Rules, not guidelines or suggestions for online safety.
Taking Control
Think of giving your kids their first phone. Here are some suggestions for what to do when you give your kids their first phone/device.
- Give them the same phone as you
- Remember, you are the boss, not your 5-years-old
- Set rules, not guidelines
Rules and Guidelines
Show me your device when I ask.
Agree ‘Time-Limits’ per day
Block and stop what you don’t like
Tell them what they can’t do
Older brothers and sisters are not to interfere (easier said than done)
Paid parental control is best
Forming future habits now
Kids should be happy with your rules & limits
That’s enough rules.
More Tips
Give kids the same phone as you, even your old or new one.
Make a Space/Folder on your phone for their games. Switch off Wi-Fi to stop advertisers.
Use a VPN for online gaming
5 things a child must never share online
UK Government Research 5-7 years of age
63% of kids’ game online up to 7.5 hours weekly
42% own a tablet
70% enjoy YouTube for funnies, games, cartoons
82% online for as much as 9 hours a week
Games & PEGI.INFO
There is a single source website where parents can check the suitability of all games. PEGI.info.
PEGI grades into age classifications for video games in 38 European countries. The age rating confirms which age group a game is appropriate for. PEGI considers the age suitability of a game, not just the difficulty level.
Check PEGI before permitting your kid to download or buy a game.
Is YouTube Still Safe for Kids?
- Sadly, this once great portal is not what it was.
- Too many money bots tracking kids
- Fake News ultra profane Influencers
- Too much advertising, especially since the start of COVID-19
In September 2023, YouTube is no longer an appropriate place for kids to wander alone. Like TikTok, it needs heavy supervision. Do not let kids watch alone.
If they are watching, Here is a quick checklist
- Keep an eye on what your kids are watching,
- Where they are watching, preferably in your eye-line
- Check who they like, and check out their preferred personalities and influencers.
- Remember, Influencers know Mum only tends to watch for the first 90 seconds.
- Switch on Restricted mode, and use the kids’ version of YouTube
IMPORTANT – Keep kids near you with the volume turned up, no headphones, EarPods.
The trouble with Free Family Protection
Apple Screentime for iOS and OSX is limited but is a start. Google Family Link is buggy and gets poor reviews. Other free apps on the Play Store don’t score well either. Check pricing for
What’s in it for you? The Benefits.
Kids behaving better
Kids exercise more, sleep, and eat better.
Kids who do as asked
Kids study better and do better in school
Kids who don’t get bullied online
Kids with longer attention spans
Healthier, fitter, stronger kids.
They can still play Fortnite. We are not stopping them, just not all day
And what about Google?
Google is too commercialised for children and we really prefer DuckDuckgo.com
- DuckDuckGo.com – A search engine that doesn’t track you
Handy Connections
Setting up the right Social Media Profile for Kids
Gamers – You need Nord VPN
Articles of Interest
Articles, Links &connections from the Internet Safety Talks site you might find interesting
- Is YouTube still safe for kids in 2023 –
- Loot Boxes – What are Loot Boxes & why are they so dangerous?
- Five Things a kid must never share 5 Things
- TikTok Safety for Kids – TikTok Safety
- Rules for 5 – 8 year-olds online 5 – 8 Years
- Don’t spend a penny on your Kids Online Safety
