Children are increasingly connecting with the world through digital media. With technology constantly changing, it can be hard knowing how to keep your children safe and healthy online.
What you can do is help minimise the negative impact on your child, while encouraging healthy internet use to maximise the benefits. Some useful tips are:
- Remember: the internet isn’t all bad
In fact, research shows there are many benefits to young people going online. From connecting with friends and relatives to following piano lessons or researching homework, it provides a wealth of opportunities for education and enrichment. Find out what areas your children are using online and focus on positives. - An internet ban is rarely helpful
This is almost impossible when access is so widely available. It is also likely to be counter-productive, encouraging secretive rather than open use, as well as denying the many benefits the internet has to offer. - Be age-appropriate
All our suggestions need to be age-adapted. Young children usually like attention from you and don’t own their own device, whereas teenagers may find it intrusive and stick to their own screens. Balance respecting their desire for privacy with letting them know you’re there for them to talk to. With younger children, also use your devices’ parental controls. Whatever their age, agree any restrictions together. - Keep talking
Being open to discuss things in an age-appropriate way is key to helping them stay safe. It ensures your children can come to you if they are worried about their online activity or something they have seen, and vice versa. - Use the internet alongside your child
When you go online with your child it encourages social rather than isolated use and provides opportunities to discuss staying safe online. Show a respectful interest in what they are doing, even if they want to use the internet independently. - Promote good sleep habits
Encourage everyone to turn off their screens at least 1 hour before bedtime. Leave phones, laptops etc. out of the bedroom and buy a separate alarm clock to wake up to. Don’t forget it helps to lead by example!
Read our top tips for good sleep - Encourage active rather than passive use
Being actively involved in doing things, such as creating or responding to Facebook posts, can have a positive impact on wellbeing. Passive use – like scrolling without interacting – can lower wellbeing and life satisfaction. - Break the ‘filter bubbles’
Online companies use algorithms to show you things similar to what you’ve seen before, reinforcing current interests rather than suggesting new topics. Teach your child how to interrupt these by searching new areas or questions of interest. - Talk to your child about body image
It can be difficult for children (and adults) to distinguish between what’s a healthy body image and what’s not. Try to normalise diversity – we all come in different shapes and sizes, there isn’t one ideal body shape and beauty comes in many different forms, not just airbrushed or filtered ‘perfection’. For example, if you watch a programme together, you can point out things that are unrealistic. - Promote healthy sexual attitudes
Difficult though it is to speak to your child about sex, it’s important they don’t get all their information from the internet as this can lead to distorted expectations. If you see something obviously unrealistic, make sure they know it! - Look out for warning signs
If you notice a change in your child’s behaviour, like spending lots more time alone in their room, avoiding friends, or a shift in their mood, speak to them about your concerns. Make sure you both know what help is out there (on- and offline) and seek advice from your school or GP if you need extra support.
Our children learn how to use technology from us, even if they use it for different things. Often what we do affects them more than what we say, so if this list is a challenge to your own habits take the opportunity to decide to make your own use healthier as well. You will both benefit and avoid future arguments too!
Useful links
- Guides on talking to your children and setting up parental controls: Keeping children safe online
- Sex, sexuality and relationships in children (0-16 years old): Sex and relationships
- Practical tips to share with your child about staying safe: Child Safety Online: A practical guide for parents and carers whose children are using social media
- Tips, advice and resources to help children and young people stay safe. Resources are available for children, parents, carers and professionals: UK Safer Internet Centre and Childnet
- News, guides and research for ‘digital families’: parentzone
- Advice on protecting your child online and what to do if you are concerned. Resources are available for children, parents, carers and professionals: ThinkUKnow
- Digital tools to use with children and young people, covering a range of mental health and wellbeing areas: aye mind - Digital tools
A-Z Topic: Children and young people
Mental health problems affect around one in six children. They include depression, anxiety and conduct disorder (a type of behavioural problem), and are often a direct response to what is happening in their lives.
Healthy social media report
A report on personal experiences of social media and strategies for building a positive relationship between social media use and body image.