Please visit Hillside's Online Safety Hub for an in-depth guide for everything related to online safety.
Hillside Online Safety Hub
https://esafetytraining.org/
Are you worried about the way someone has been communicating with you or your child online? Make a report to a CEOP Advisor:
CEOP - Child Exploitation and Online Protect Command
We are keen to support parents in developing their online safety knowledge and awareness of new apps and trends. Please take some time to visit the links below.
https://nationalonlinesafety.com/
If you're not sure whether to let your child watch a movie or play a game, visit this link.
https://www.ceop.police.uk/safety-centre
Online Safety
The Importance of Monitoring Your Child's Technology Use
In our modern world, technology has become an integral part of our daily lives, offering tremendous benefits and opportunities for learning and growth. As educators and caretakers, we strive to harness these technological advancements to support your child's education and development. However, it's essential to recognise the potential risks associated with unrestricted and unmonitored technology use among children.
While the digital landscape offers incredible resources and entertainment, it also presents challenges that can impact your child's well-being, including:
- Online Safety: The internet can expose children to inappropriate content, cyberbullying, or interactions with strangers. Monitoring their online activities allows you to safeguard them from potential risks and guide them on responsible online behaviour.
- Excessive Screen Time: Extended periods of screen time can affect your child's physical health, mental well-being, and academic performance. Monitoring their technology use helps in balancing screen time with other enriching activities like outdoor play, reading, or hobbies.
- Impact on Mental Health: Continuous exposure to social media, video games, or certain online content can have a profound impact on mental health, leading to stress, anxiety, or feelings of inadequacy. Monitoring enables you to recognise any negative patterns and intervene when necessary.
- Educational Focus: Unrestricted access to technology might lead to distractions, affecting your child's concentration and academic progress. Setting limits and monitoring their use can help maintain a healthy balance between learning and entertainment
As parents, your involvement and guidance play a pivotal role in shaping your child's relationship with technology. Here are some practical tips to consider:
- Establish Clear Rules: Set clear guidelines regarding when, where, and how long your child can use devices. Create technology-free zones, such as during mealtimes or before bedtime.
- Communicate Openly: Foster open communication about their online experiences. Encourage your child to share any concerns or encounters they may have while using technology.
- Use Parental Controls: Utilise parental control features available on devices and applications to restrict access to age-inappropriate content and monitor their online activities.
- Lead by Example: Model healthy technology habits yourself by demonstrating responsible and limited use of devices.
By actively monitoring your child's technology use, you can create a safer and more balanced environment for their growth and development.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. Together, we can work towards ensuring that technology remains a tool for enrichment and learning in your child's life.
Questions to ask yourself?
Have you thought about where your child is using technology - is it in a communal area or thin their bedroom?
Do you know what your children are looking at online?
Are you aware of how old you should be to use Facebook? Snapchat? Whatsapp?
Do you have security settings at home on your computer?
Click here for support and advice for parents.
