Give them a break
The government is yet to produce recommendations about how long children should spend online and debate is still ongoing within the academic community. The average amount of time children spend online is 3.8 hours a day. However much your kids are online, now is a good time to talk about limits, set regular breaks and declare device-free points of the day, such as mealtimes or bedtime.
Childwise Monitor Report
Get some digital helping hands
Though six in 10 parents know about tools we can use to limit our kids’ access to online content, only a third of us actually use them. With a few clicks, you can download third-party parental control software online or go to your settings to change the control levels on your devices and apps. Alas, limits have limits: it’s not so easy to stop your kids playing that same annoying song over and over and over again.
Ofcom
Encourage them to stay connected
Research shows that 47% of parents say being connected helps their child build or maintain friendships, so we should never underestimate the power of staying connected. Look into solutions that allow your children to access the digital tools they need without exposing them to anything unwelcome. Neo, the new smartwatch for kids aged six to nine, allows you to create a circle of nine trusted contacts that you can add in an app on your phone. Kids can call or send emojis to these contacts only, as well as choose from a list of pre-written messages. This enables them to stay safely connected with you, while avoiding any unwanted contact. Ofcom
Know what they’re getting into
Though privacy protection laws mean children are supposed to wait until they’re 13 years old to use social media, 42% of children aged between five and 12 are doing so. While you may feel it’s up to you to decide when your child is ready for different digital experiences, only four in 10 parents know the minimum age requirements for social media sites and apps. Ofcom
Boost their emotional wellbeing
Children who spend one to two hours a day using devices can have higher social and emotional wellbeing than those with zero screen time. Yes, you read that right. Research from the University of Oxford shows that time spent on devices can be good for kids. Take Neo, for example. The new smartwatch for kids has an in-built calendar that empowers children to plan their social lives. Kids can also use the smartwatch to check the weather and count their steps, but it can’t be used to browse the internet, so they stay connected in a safer way. Being online can have a positive impact on children’s social development, so let’s all let out that sigh of relief on the count of three. University of Oxford
Don’t underestimate how tech-savvy kids are
Three-quarters of under-fives have access to an internet-connected device, and 60% of three- to four-year-olds can open the apps they want without any help (the same can’t necessarily be said for grandparents). Even though you’re supervising your kids, let them know from an early age to tell you about anything they see online that makes them uncomfortable. Childwise
Make the report button cool
Though most children are aware that they can report dodgy content they see online, only 14% of 12- to 15-year-olds have ever actually used these tools to report something. Educate your child about different sites’ rules and guidelines so they know when something has crossed the line (unfortunately, their aunt’s soppy relationship status might not make the cut). Ensure the report button isn’t seen as uncool or taboo – it’s a quick and easy way for your child to feel safer online. Ofcom
Whatever your style of family communication, feel connected to your child with Neo, the smart kids’ watch. Find out more at Vodafone
