How to Monitor Your Child's Internet Use and Social Media 

 

Set Clear Expectations: Before giving your child access to the Internet or social media, set clear expectations for their behaviour online. Discuss with them what types of websites and social media platforms are appropriate and set limits on the amount of time they can spend online. Let them know that you will be monitoring their activity to ensure they are following these guidelines.

Use Parental Controls: Most devices and Internet providers offer parental controls that allow you to monitor your child's Internet use and block access to inappropriate content. These controls can limit the amount of time your child spends online, restrict access to specific websites or social media platforms, and even monitor their activity and alert you to any concerning behaviour.

Talk to Your Child: Regularly talk to your child about their Internet use and social media activity. Ask them about the websites they visit and the people they interact with online. Discuss with them the importance of privacy and the risks associated with sharing personal information online. Make sure your child feels comfortable coming to you if they encounter any problems online.

Monitor Social Media: Social media platforms can be a breeding ground for cyberbullying, inappropriate content, and other risks to children's safety. To monitor your child's social media activity, consider following their accounts or becoming their friend on the platform. Use the platform's privacy settings to control who can see your child's posts and monitor their activity for any concerning behaviour.

Hidden Apps: Believe it or not, sometimes children can be really smart at hiding digital information on their phone from parents.  A famous example is a calculator app launched in 2016 with the purpose of allowing people to hide images, videos and files.  The calculator is one example. Click here to see more on these potentially dangerous apps:  www.internetmatters.org/resources/anonymous-apps-guide-what-parents-need-to-know/

The Internet and social media can offer many benefits to children, but they can also pose significant risks to their safety and well-being. As a parent, it's essential to monitor your child's Internet use and social media activity to keep them safe and ensure they are using these platforms responsibly. Set clear expectations, use parental controls, talk to your child, and monitor their social media activity to ensure they are staying safe online.

Bespoke Monitoring: Many phone manufacturers now offer the facilities to monitor your child's activities, understand what they are viewing, see their location and make sensible restrictions to keep them safe.  Google offers a service called Family Link for Android devices.  Click here to see more: https://families.google.familylink    For Apple, click here: https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT201304