The hard stuff

Why are conversations so important?

Open communication is key from the start to help children stay safe online. Short, regular conversations about their online lives will encourage them to open up and share their experiences.

If your child becomes worried or upset by something online, reassure them that you’ll tackle the issue together.

Why should you set boundaries?

To ensure your child sticks to boundaries, why not set up the rules together for the whole family to follow.

If they are struggling with these rules, creating a reward chart can be a good way to motivate younger children.

When it’s a challenge to get them off devices or it’s time for school work; using screen time resources such as built-in app timers or screen time tools can help.

How to make safer choices.

Encourage your child to ask questions about the information they’re seeing online.

Encourage them to take time deciding whether it's a good idea to add a friend or share something online and seek support if they're unsure.

Tackling the hard stuff.

There are times when they may experience online issues like cyberbullying.

When dealing with these issues it helps to stay calm, get the facts and create a plan that works for your child.

The more they feel supported and confident in the solution, the better their recovery will be.

To round up, here are three points to encourage your child to connect safely online:

1. Check-in with them about what they are doing online, but also give them the space to apply what they have learned.

2. Work together to help them recognise potential online risks so they can make safer choices.
3. Have an open-door policy to make it easier for them to share their concerns when something goes wrong online.