25 May Internet Safety – Tips and Resources

Internet Safety

Children are accessing the internet more than ever right now, to complete schoolwork, for
entertainment and to keep in touch with friends and family. With an increase in internet
connected devices and an ever-growing market of social media platforms, it is important to
ensure that children are kept safe from harm.
Internet Connected Devices
Many families have internet connected devices for their child or home. Internet connected
devices are devices or toys that are connected to the internet via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or a
physical connection like a USB cable. They can also be connected to each other.

Examples of internet connected device include:
– Smart Speakers, such as Google Home and Amazon echo.
– Wearables, such as Fitbit and Apple Watch.
– Toys with voice or image recognition, such as Hello Barbie and Furby Connect.
– Robots, drones, and other mechanical toys.
– Computers, laptops, tablets, and mobile phones.
What are the risks?
Many parents do not realise that internet connected devices can pose a risk to children if
not set up or used properly.
Some of the risks of using these devices are:
– Other people might be able to access your device and content without you knowing.
You may not be able to see that someone is connected to your device, but
sometimes developers or hackers can see your content.
– Baby monitors, children’s tablets and even remote-control helicopters or drone toys,
can be hacked and used by people outside of your home.
– Internet connected devices can collect personal data, including audio and visual
data.

How can we keep children safe?

– Research the toy and read product reviews and parent blogs. Check which devices
have access to the internet prior to purchase.
– Read the instructions manual to see the detail of what the product is, what is does
and how you can set this up safely.
– Default settings might include things like GPS location tracking, public Wi-Fi and
camera or chat access. It is important to turn these off so your child cannot be
identified. Always check device privacy settings and make sure they are switched on.
You may need to download an app to use the toys or devices. Check the privacy
settings and permission of any apps.
– Your home Wi-Fi network and TV settings should be password protected. Think
about setting up accounts for your children so they are only seeing age-appropriate
content. (NSPCC)
What else do we need to consider?
– Sexting and sending nudes (NSPCC)
– Exposure to inappropriate or explicit content (NSPCC)
– Livestreaming and video apps (NSPCC)
– Online gaming (NSPCC)
If you are concerned about online safety or would like more information about how you can
help keep children safe online, there are a number of websites and organisations with
resources that you can access for free below.
Additional Resources
– www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety
– Net-aware.org.uk
– Thinkuknow.co.uk
– Saferinternet.org.uk
– Childnet.com/parents-and-carers
– Childline.org.uk