Practical help in introducing your children to safe use of the Internet.

Some suggestions for the best approach:

• Position the PC within the living room, so that it is accepted as a family resource and not a toy 
• Schedule time for family internet use: suitable time periods depending on the age and concentration levels of the child
• Spend time researching material which is suitable for your child – how about some of these ideas? Or these via BBC?
• While enjoying these activities speak to your child about some of the risks e.g. predators, bullies, and cybercriminals

Children will differ in their intellectual abilities, obviously, so take a look through this video first before watching it with your children.  What suits one 7 year old will not suit another.

The use of the internet should be encouraged because it is a vast educational resource that can enrich the lives of children and young adults.  However it needs introducing in small manageable steps, just as other skills are introduced in small steps.

When used as a family sharing experience it can strengthen the bond between parent and child.  The child will soon understand that you the parent want to protect them at all costs.

Did you find the information and the video useful?

Use the comment box below to add other tips for introducing good sharing techniques, when teaching children how to stay safe on the web.

Many Thanks.