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Slides from Parent presentation E-safety and Online Wellbeing Dec 2020 (PDF)

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Slides from Parent presentation E-safety and Online Wellbeing Dec 2020 (PDF)

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supporting primary schoolers online

six to tens

`{`Music`}`

between the ages of six to ten it's

likely your child

might get their first connected device

perhaps a games console or a tablet

so take the time to have regular chats

with your child about their well-being

and safety online

this will help them develop coping

strategies to deal with online risks

and encourage them to make safer choices

`{`Music`}`

online

set up parental controls on your home

broadband as well as any

internet-enabled devices that your child

has access to

our setup safe parental control guides

will walk you through the steps

so you can get set up in just a few

minutes don't forget to check that any

online accounts are password protected

if you're concerned about the time your

child spends online

many devices and apps will have inbuilt

controls to help you set limits

on when they should be using them and

for how long ensure your child maintains

a good balance of online and offline

activities

and that their online activities are

positive and have purpose

it's helpful to agree some rules with

your child to encourage them to develop

good digital habits for the future

if you're looking to give them their own

devices choose ones that offer

child-friendly content and tailored

parental controls to give them a safer

space to explore online

don't forget that gaming consoles also

offer internet access

so it's important to set parental

controls

be involved with your child's internet

use this will make it easier for you to

advise them on issues they might

experience

and for them to share concerns about

anything that may upset them

encourage them to question what they see

online to build their critical thinking

create a user account for your child

that only allows access to the sites and

apps you've chosen

you could also set your home page to a

child-friendly site

such as an educational site like bbc

bite size

or a safe search engine like swiggle

activate

safe search settings on sites like

google and youtube

and encourage them to use child friendly

apps like youtube kids

many popular games involve playing

online with others

so be aware that your child may be

creating an online presence

age ratings on games and apps are a

helpful way of establishing if they are

age appropriate

and use the strictest privacy settings

if they're playing free to play games

make sure to set a password on your app

store account to restrict

in-app purchases and avoid getting

caught out with a big bill

as soon as they can share and interact

with others online

talk about what information they should

and shouldn't share

discuss what it means to be a good

digital citizen

and emphasize the importance of

developing a good digital footprint

some children may find themselves

bullying or being bullied online

so it's important to talk to them about

being a good friend online and where to

get support if they need it

remind them that they can talk to you or

a trusted adult if they have any

concerns

because safety on the internet matters

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Online safety advice for 6-10 year olds | Internet Matters

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supporting primary schoolers online six to tens `{`Music`}` between the ages of six to ten it's likely your child might get their first connected device perhaps a games console or a tablet so take the time to have regular chats with your child about their well-being and safety online this

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Parental controls - Internet Matters guides

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Parental controls - Internet Matters guides

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Set up parental controls on devices and platforms | Internet Matters

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Set up parental controls on a range of devices and platforms to help children develop key online safety and digital literacy skills.

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Electronic devices have become an integral part of most children's lives. Kids use screen-based electronics throughout the day for schoolwork, entertainment, communication, and more. While technology offers countless educational and social benefits, there are also downsides to our widespread, easy access to these devices. One concern is the impact technology may be having on sleep.

As technology became commonplace in day-to-day life, sleep quality in children suffered. Approximately one third of children and more than half of adolescents do not get enough sleep. There are a few ways that evening and nighttime access to electronic devices could affect how much kids sleep. Spending more hours of the night on screens leaves fewer hours for sleep, and stimulating content could decrease sleepiness. Another mechanism through which electronics may affect sleep through the blue light emitted by these devices.

What Is Blue Light?

The full spectrum of visible light consists of varied light wavelengths. Violet light has the shortest wavelength, while red light wavelengths are the longest. Blue light is a short wavelength type of light that promotes alertness and performance. Blue light is also the most important regulator of our sleep-wake cycle or circadian rhythm.

What Are Common Sources of Blue Light?

The screens of televisions, smartphones, tablets, computers, gaming systems, and certain e-readers all produce artificial blue light. However, we aren't exposed to blue light solely through electronics. We get most of our blue light exposure from the sun. Additionally, light-emitting diode (LED) and fluorescent light bulbs - which have become increasingly common in homes due to their energy-efficiency - produce blue light.

Blue Light and Melatonin

Melatonin is a hormone that promotes feelings of sleepiness, and blue light suppresses the production of melatonin. Humans evolved to maintain a sleep-wake cycle based around the rising and setting of the sun. When we are exposed only to natural light from the sun, melatonin levels are low during the day, begin to increase in the evening following sunset, reach their peak in the middle of the night, and then gradually decrease until morning.

Exposure to blue light during the day from sunlight or other sources is a healthy promoter of energy and concentration. Daytime blue light exposure has also been shown to improve sleep quality and duration. However, using devices that produce artificial blue light in the evening and nighttime disrupts our natural sleep-wake cycle by tricking the brain into not producing melatonin before bed. This causes us to feel less sleepy than we should at bedtime.

How Does Blue Light Affect Children?

The general principles of light affecting melatonin production and sleep apply to both children and adults. However, children may be even more sensitive to light. As we age, structures in our eyes gradually become less sensitive to light. Children also have larger pupils than adults. A research study found that evening light exposure suppressed melatonin twice as much in children compared to adults. A child's age and developmental stage may also determine the impact. Researchers found that children who had not yet gone through puberty experienced significantly more melatonin suppression in response to evening light compared with post-puberty adolescents.

Does Blue Light Cause Sleep Issues in Children?

Observational studies from around the world have shown that screen use by children is associated with later bedtimes and less time spent asleep. While these observational studies cannot prove a cause-and-effect relationship, numerous studies in adults have demonstrated that light exposure in the evening and the use of blue light-emitting devices before bed affect sleep. This evidence, combined with the data showing that children have an increased sensitivity to light-related melatonin suppression, suggests that the sleep-disrupting effects of blue light may apply to children as well.

However, more research is needed to illuminate whether blue light causes disrupted sleep or if children who already struggle with sleep are more likely to use screens (and be exposed to blue light) before bed and at night. It is possible that these two factors may share a bidirectional relationship, meaning that sleep affects screen time use, and screen time use affects sleep.

Effects of Sleep Loss in Kids

While the relationship between evening blue light exposure and sleep in children requires further investigation, the important role sleep plays in childhood functioning and development is well-supported by scientific evidence. Research has shown that sleep loss is linked with inattentiveness, impulsivity, and difficulty self-regulating. Children who don't get sufficient sleep are also at risk for poorer school performance. The symptoms of sleep loss in children often mirror the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), which may lead to a misdiagnosis of ADHD in some sleep-deprived children.

Certain hormones that help with muscle mass, a healthy immune system, and cell repair are released during sleep, so these functions may also be impacted in children who are not sleeping enough.

How Can You Reduce Exposure to Blue Light?

Given the importance of sleep for a child's mental and physical health, ensuring that children are consistently getting enough sleep at night is critical. If you are concerned about the impact blue light exposure may be having on your child's sleep, there are a number of steps you and your child can take. Start by trying the following interventions:

Set a technology curfew: Establish a nightly schedule that involves ceasing the use of electronics one hour before bedtime. You can use an alarm to help a child remember to turn off screens at a certain time. It might help to plan other calming activities before bed, such as reading, puzzles, coloring, painting, or stretching. Parents should also lead by an example and limit the use of screens prior to bedtime.

Create technology-free zones: Storing phones and other devices outside of the bedroom, and especially away from the mattress, may be a difficult transition for some kids, but it can have a big impact on nighttime blue light exposure. It reduces the temptation to use devices before going to sleep and eliminates the possibility of being woken up by texts, calls, and other alerts.

Use blue light filters: Special glasses that filter out blue light may help combat the adverse effects of blue light exposure before bed. Blue light-filtering apps are also an option. They shift the color tone of a tablet or smartphone screen toward warmer wavelengths of the light spectrum.

Alter settings: Many electronic devices include options for "night mode" or "dark mode" that change the screen background to black, reducing blue light exposure.

Switch to red lights: Red light exposure does not suppress melatonin production, so it could help to use red light bulbs for evening reading lamps and nightlights. Yellow light and orange light are also on the long wavelength end of the light spectrum and could be good options.

Ensure daytime light exposure: Getting exposed to bright light during the day helps to synchronize circadian rhythms and promotes sleepiness at bedtime. Make sure your child gets plenty of bright, natural, daytime light.

It can be a struggle to navigate setting rules and boundaries around screen use, especially in teens. Talk with your child or teen frequently about the role of sleep in their physical and emotional health and the harmful effects blue light may have on sleep. It might help to work together on establishing rules for technology use. Parents and guardians can also model healthy sleep habits, including following a technology curfew and storing electronics outside the bedroom.

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How Does Blue Light Affect Children's Sleep? | Sleep Foundation

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Electronic devices have become an integral part of most children's lives. Kids use screen-based electronics throughout the day for schoolwork, entertainment, communication, and more. While technology offers countless educational and social benefits, there are also downsides to our widespread, easy access to these devices. One concern is the impact technology may be having on sleep.

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2020 report on YouTube from CommonSense Media

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2020 report on YouTube from CommonSense Media

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Helpful info for parents of under-5s

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The eSafety Early Years program provides advice on how parents and carers can support young children to have safe and enjoyable experiences online.

More online safety advice and resources for young children and their families is being rolled out through 2020. Register to stay updated.

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The eSafety Early Years program provides advice on how parents and carers can support young children to have safe and enjoyable experiences online. More online safety advice and resources for young children and their families is being rolled out through 2020. Register to stay updated.

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British Government's advice on staying safe online during the pandemic

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British Government's advice on staying safe online during the pandemic

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We use some essential cookies to make this website work.

We'd like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services.

We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services.

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Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance and support

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We use some essential cookies to make this website work. We'd like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services. We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services.

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With schools closed and governments issuing orders for people to stay at home, a lot of kids have no choice but to turn to their screens for school and any kind of socializing. The debate over how much screentime is healthy is nothing new, but our devices have arguably never played as big a role in our lives as they do now when it comes to staying connected amid a global pandemic.

devices have arguably never played such a big a role in our lives

To understand how these changes might affect kids, The Verge spoke with Lloyda Williamson, a general and child psychiatrist and the chair of the psychiatry and behavioral sciences department at Meharry Medical College. This interview has been lightly edited for length and clarity.
Recent data shows that a majority of kids between the ages of six and 12 in the US are spending at least 50 percent more time in front of screens each day during the COVID-19 outbreaks. How might that affect kids' development and mental health?
It's interesting because we have sort of mixed guidelines in terms of children's exposure to digital technology. We of course have the educators that are really promoting the use of digital technology to help them to gain skills, to provide ways for them to be more engaged in science, technology, engineering, and math, and just help them to be prepared for a productive workforce in the future.
What can parents and guardians do to counteract some of those potentially adverse effects? And how do we talk with kids about the pandemic?
On the other hand, you've got the public health officials that are, I would say, not anti-digital but more cautious because of concerns about various aspects of health. One of the social concerns is that, of course, we have predatory individuals, there's cyberbullying. Some examples of emotional concerns might be just addictive behaviors toward digital technology and depression, as well as access to inappropriate content. With this increased time [on screens], a lot of times that means that these children are less active in terms of physical activity and exercise. And then, we're understanding that there's a shortened or decreased attention span [when it comes to cognitive development].

Of course, as we look at digital technology we're talking about lots of different platforms and types of media. And a lot of what we're dealing with in terms of digital technology is new. So, what we have in terms of [studies on the effects of] "screen time" are primarily on television. And we realized that television is different than a lot of the platforms that we have where people are interacting in different ways. So I guess the short answer is we don't really know what the impact of digital technology is going to have, because it hasn't been out long enough to get these long-term studies.

"Children are definitely aware that we're experiencing a crisis."

One of the things that I think is very crucial, particularly since our children are at home, is the parental example of media use. One of the things we forget is that our children are watching us all the time. And so they see how much time we're on social media using different digital media, and many times their behavior patterns and their patterns of use are patterned after us.

We have a thirst for news and as we are watching on the TV or listening on social media, our children are also exposed to that. That can be not only overwhelming for us, but also overwhelming for our children. So have some boundaries as to how much of this we're going to watch and at what times of the day. Sometimes it's just good to turn it off and do some other things instead of just keeping up with every news event.

As adults we do have to be aware of what our children are experiencing along with the increased tension in our community. Children are definitely aware that we're experiencing a crisis. Many adolescents are resistant to staying at home and just really want to connect with their friends in person. And so, when those activities are restricted, that can bring out some feelings of sadness, depression, irritability, anger, frustration. For younger kids, when they realize that their lives are different, it's a good opportunity for us to talk with them about what's going on. Have conversations about how they're doing, what they miss about school, what they miss about having contact with their friends, and then just listening and giving them an opportunity to talk about their feelings.

I think it's important to tell them facts according to their developmental level. Some people may say, "Well, how do you talk about this coronavirus when people are dying?" But we should be having some of these difficult conversations with children all along - like being safe when you go out in public, not speaking to strangers and why that's important. We have these difficult conversations, and so this is another one: why it's important to wash your hands, why it's important for us to stay in our safe place at home during this time, and why, when people get ill, it can be very serious, to the point where some people are ending up in the hospital or maybe even die.
With so many schools closed, how might online classes affect students' learning?
"we should be having some of these difficult conversations with children"

As parents are interacting with their children, they may want to know "what are some signs of my child or my adolescent not doing well?" Pay attention to changes in their behavior, changes in the way they communicate, and change in their personalities - like they're becoming more withdrawn, irritable, if they're sleeping more, or if they're arguing more. If it gets to the point that it's really negatively impacting their ability to interact with the family, or where they're not eating or sleeping, then they may want to reach out to their care provider and see if this may be a time that an evaluation needs to occur before it gets to the point that there's actually a serious psychiatric or mental health disorder.

We have more data in terms of college students, and we don't have as much of that data with younger children. And so I think we're in a big experiment.
Many parents have struggled with putting limits on screentime, even before outbreaks of COVID-19. Is that a good idea now, especially for kids who might feel like that's their only connection to the outside world while they're stuck at home?
It's challenging for teachers to relate to different learning styles online. Different children learn differently. Some are more visual. Some are more auditory. Some have a mixed learning style. And then children have different levels of being able to be self motivated and participate in these online educational activities. There are a lot of different factors to consider, to see how people may respond positively or negatively or in mixed ways. But parents [can be] aware of their child, their child's learning style and personality, and check in with them.

"We're in a big experiment."

We don't want to do all or none. So we don't want to cut them off. We're looking for a sense of balance, in terms of communicating, learning, connecting. Let's also turn [screens] off for some time so they can connect together as a family - and so that they can also perhaps engage in some other activities, whether it's cooking, doing yard work outside, or drawing, or even interacting as a family with different games and things.

There's so many resources out there, there's so many apps. I think the main thing is finding things that will help bring you a sense of peace, and using those things instead of things that would add more stress and more anxiety.

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How to talk with kids about screentime and COVID-19

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Kids are spending more time online and staring at screens while they're at home during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Verge spoke with a child psychiatrist about how all that screentime might affect kids and how to talk with them about the novel coronavirus.

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Read this review from Commonsensemedia

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Chance to design games, but also potential for iffy content. Read Common Sense Media’s Roblox review, age rating, and parents guide.

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By Caroline Knorr | June 11, 2020

Gymnasts know that there's a fraction of an inch between a flawless routine -- and total disaster. Parents, too, know that managing screen time can be a balancing act. Sure, movies, games, television, and online activities can be lifesavers when you're juggling caregiving, homeschooling, and working. But even when you're on your game -- choosing high-quality, age-appropriate content, getting outside, talking to kids about their games and shows -- your kid can have a complete meltdown after three (or was it four?) episodes of Avatar: The Last Airbender. Recognizing the moment between "all good" and "my bad!" isn't always obvious. We've identified five common warning signs that your kid's screen balance is tipping into the trouble zone, and effective strategies for getting back on solid ground.

Inappropriate outsized reactions. We've all seen the extreme behaviors -- meltdowns, defiance, irritation, or just bouncing off the walls -- that kids exhibit at times after screen use. Some parents blame fast-action games like , but really anything could trigger this behavior. Kids simply don't always have the language -- or the patience -- to explain what's happening to them, so they tell you by acting out.

What to do. While there's no magic number of "good" screen-time hours, you can figure out what your kid's personal limit is by noting their reactions and making changes. Two hours of Xbox = dinner-time meltdown? Next time cut them off at one hour and see if things change. Identify "good stopping points" before kids go online (at the end of an episode or match), which gives kids more agency. Also help them develop self-soothing skills. Establish a more regular schedule so that they can pace themselves throughout the day. Substitute screen-free games like chess or 20 Questions with family to help your kid work on waiting their turn, delaying gratification, and practicing communication skills. Apps that help kids manage their emotions, which you can download onto your own phone, may also help.

Headaches. Has your kid complained of headaches or trouble seeing? It could be their eyes. Vision problems, eye fatigue, and eye strain can cause real pain -- and could be a sign that kids are doing too much "near work," such as reading or overdoing the screens. Check for watery eyes, squinting, or kids rubbing their eyes a lot.

What to do. You don't want to waste time on this one. With your kid's help, figure out the point at which the symptoms crop up; doctors say it's usually at about the two-hour mark. Reduce screen time by half to see if the issue resolves. Also, make screen time dependent on your kid maintaining healthy screen "hygiene": good posture, positioning the screen at least 18 inches away, not leaning in and squinting. Follow the 20-20-20 rule: Move away from the screen every 20 minutes to look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Help them strengthen their distance vision by getting outdoors. And then set some time limits on screens to help them get more balance. If these don't help, see an eye doctor.

Trouble sleeping. If your kid isn't sleeping, there's a chance devices are one of the culprits. Kids may be overstimulated from their devices' blue light, tired from checking their phones throughout the night, staying up late watching television, distressed by bad news, or having troubling online interactions. Whatever the cause, a good night's sleep is an essential foundation for many things, including mental well-being, a healthy lifestyle, and keeping kids' minds alert for learning.

What to do.Make sleep a priority. Collect devices at night, turn off the Wi-Fi, and enable screen limits on devices so that they can't get online. Help kids wind down about an hour before bedtime -- meaning no screens. Try meditation (with or without an app), soothing music, and bedtime stories to help kids settle. And if kids are still having trouble, there may be something deeper going on, so you should see your pediatrician.

Isolation, sadness, crying. If your kid is exhibiting these symptoms, negative online experiences could add to their despair. Combined with what some kids are readily exposed to on social media -- bullying, hate speech, scary news, and brutal videos -- it's completely natural for them to feel this way.

What to do. Some social media may provide a supportive environment for your kid, so while you may be tempted to make them feel better by forcing a total break from screens, take it slow. Talk to them about how they're feeling, what they do on social media, how they're treated, and whether their online interactions are mostly positive. Help them cut back on their online time and stick to social media that's positive and supportive. You can use parental controls to restrict access to sites and apps that may be triggering. When they do go online, it may provide some relief to use social media more as an outlet for creative expression rather than an endless slog through other people's lives. Keep an eye on your kid, and if things don't turn around, call your pediatrician.

Loss of focus and energy. You know the look: glazed zombie eyes, wishy-washy replies, flitting from thing to thing. While there's ongoing research exploring whether devices can cause inattention -- and even ADHD -- it's more likely that your kid is just, well, acting like kids do when they don't know what to do with themselves.

What to do. Change things up -- starting with your expectations. You may need to rely on screens more than usual right now, but that doesn't give your kid permission to opt out of meaningful participation in family life. If your kid has a bad case of the blahs, let them know that they need to interact and engage with folks at home as much as they do with, say, Animal Crossing. Aside from screen time, provide offline activities that require focused attention, including puzzles, audio stories and podcasts, and reading. Ask them questions to encourage deeper thinking, comprehension, and making connections.

For more tips and resources like these to help your family get set up for distance learning, check out our Back to School Guide at Wide Open School.

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5 Signs of Screen Overload -- and How to Handle Them

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By Caroline Knorr | June 11, 2020 Gymnasts know that there's a fraction of an inch between a flawless routine -- and total disaster. Parents, too, know that managing screen time can be a balancing act. Sure, movies, games, television, and online activities can be lifesavers when you're juggling caregiving, homeschooling, and working.

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Expert perspective | 4 minute read

Today, about 3 billion people are in lockdown around the world - and almost 90% of the student population cut off from school. It's no surprise that a lot of children and their parents are increasingly connecting to the outside world through screens they might have once regarded with restraint or even reproach.

With more than 130 countries restricting movement to contain the COVID-19 pandemic, it is time to recognize the internet as a critical tool for children's access to learning, play, entertainment and social interaction. In short, they might have a lot to gain from spending time in the digital space.

But for parents who worried about the time their children spend on social media and online games before the pandemic, the figurative 'jump' into screens can also cause more concern or even distress. How can children and families make the most of the increased reliance on screens - which are helping to maintain a sense of normalcy during lockdown - while also finding the right balance with other important activities?

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Rethinking screen-time in the time of COVID-19

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Expert perspective | 4 minute read Today, about 3 billion people are in lockdown around the world - and almost 90% of the student population cut off from school. It's no surprise that a lot of children and their parents are increasingly connecting to the outside world through screens they might have once regarded with restraint or even reproach.

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See our list of wellbeing apps for kids that are designed to help them learn how to manage their mental health.

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Quality vs quantity

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Most (80%) Australian parents worry children spend too much time with screens.

But what children are doing on and off screen matters more than how much time they're exposed to screen media.

Too much time?

There was a time when society was concerned about children reading. If kids are reading, how will they complete their chores or homework?

The fear that time spent with media replaces other "acceptable" activities of childhood is often referred to as the displacement hypothesis. One such concern is that screen time occupies time spent on physical activity.

Read more: What is physical activity in early childhood, and is it really that important?

Because screen time is often sedentary, researchers have investigated whether it displaces the time children spend being physically active. But the relationship between screen time and physical activity is not straightforward.

from shutterstock.com

Low levels of screen time do not always equate to higher levels of physical activity. And when there is a relationship between more screen time and less physical activity, it's often a result of excessive daily screen time.

The Australian guidelines on physical activity and sedentary behaviour advise children under two avoid screen time entirely. But a nationally representative poll conducted by the Royal Children's Hospital found 63% of children aged two and under had screen exposure.

For children aged two to five, the Australian guidelines encourage parents to limit the time children spend with screens to no more than one hour a day. The child health poll found around 72% of children in this age group exceeded this recommendation.

Read more: Look up north. Here's how Aussie kids can move more at school, Nordic style

So, most Australian families are exceeding the guidelines, which are essentially built on a premise that isn't clear-cut. Not all screen time is "bad".

Is screen time bad?

A 2004 study from the United States explored the average time children spent watching television per day when they were aged one and three, and whether this affected their attention span in later years.

They found watching TV in the early years was associated with a higher risk of attention problems when these children were seven. But the research didn't test the types of programs the children were watching.

In 2007, the same researchers looked at the effects of the content children watched. They found an association between watching violent or entertaining television such as Scooby Doo and Rugrats before the age of three and an increased risk of attention problems five years later.

But there was no such association when it came to educational content such as Sesame Street.

from shutterstock.com

So, content plays a role, but the child's age also matters. In this same study, the type of content viewed by four- and five-year-olds did not affect their attention five years later.

The above studies describe changes over time. But other studies looked at the immediate effects of different screen content on children's executive functioning - the thinking required to problem solve and stay on task.

Read more: Two-hour screen limit for kids is virtually impossible to enforce

These studies found exposure to educational content didn't hinder children's subsequent executive functioning. But these abilities were depleted in four- and six-year-olds who had just watched fast and fantastical shows that played with the bounds of physics and reality.

What if you use screens with your children?

Decades of television research has shown children under three years old learn better from live interactions than from two-dimensional sources. So, these young children have little to gain from screens in the absence of a parent or peer.

Television meant for adult audiences, as well as television on in the background, disrupts the quality of children's play and parent-child interactions that are critical for early language and social development.

The adverse effects of this type of screen exposure are due to limiting both the frequency and quality of interactions between child and caregiver. In the presence of background television, parents are less attentive and responsive to their child.

Read more: Let them play! Kids need freedom from play restrictions to develop

Parents' own device use can be detrimental to the interactions they have with their children. Smartphone use can cause parents to be less attentive and responsive to their children.

All this is important to be mindful of, especially during the early years when these interactions directly contribute to language learning and social skills.

But what about if a parent uses a screen together with their child?

A 2014 study found preschoolers' storybook comprehension and parent-child interactions did not significantly differ between a traditional book and an electronic book.

However, the quality of play and parent-child interactions are reduced with electronic toys as compared to traditional toys.

So, what screen time is OK?

To have healthy, positive, quality screen media experiences, parents could ask the following questions:

Is the screen content

optimally challenging (meaning not too difficult or too easy)?

engaging (does it have age-appropriate features that maintain attention and invite participation)?

meaningful (can children relate the content to their lives)?

interactive, in the physical or social sense. Young children can actually form relationships with screen characters, which improves their learning. Older children can engage virtually in worlds such as Minecraft, then talk about it in school.

Sharing the screen experience with an adult has benefits too. These include helping children understand the content and having an adult direct learning and ask questions.

The best way to engage in screen time with your children is to talk about it, ask questions and create opportunities to take the screen into the 3D world.

And, importantly, model the media use behaviour you want your children to adopt.

By occasionally employing the "digital babysitter", you are not dooming your children's success. What children are doing matters just as much, if not more, than how long they're doing it for.
Parents can find more information about creating positive screen media experiences at:

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Stop worrying about screen 'time'. It's your child's screen experience that matters

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Most (80%) Australian parents worry children spend too much time with screens. But what children are doing on and off screen matters more than how much time they're exposed to screen media. There was a time when society was concerned about children reading. If kids are reading, how will they complete their chores or homework?

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The Adventures of Kara, Winston and the SMART Crew - Full film

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Apple has released the latest version of its iOS mobile operating system, and perhaps the most significant change in iOS12 is a new ' Screentime ' digital wellbeing feature designed to help users monitor and manage their screentime.

When enabled, Apple's new digital wellbeing feature offers a number of summary usage statistics - from the number of times you pick up your phone, to the number of notifications you receive, along with the amount of time you spend with apps and websites.

And to manage your screen time, users can set their own time limits and schedules for phone usage, categories of apps or individual apps. These screentime features can be managed for multiple phones from one device if permissions are set.

So here's a rundown of iOS 12 digital wellbeing features

Screentime Dashboard (Settings -> Screentime) - See current usage for today (total and per hour) and last seven days (total and per day) including total screentime, total pickups (times you've picked up and interacted with the screen), per app, per app category, and number of notifications (total and by app).

App Limits (Settings -> Screen Time -> App Limits) - Set time limits for apps or categories of apps (e.g. social media)

Downtime (Settings -> Screen Time -> Downtime) - Set schedule form time away from screen

Night shift (available from iOS 11) - (Settings -> Display and Brightness -> Night Shift) - Set schedule for warmer screen colour, that may help with sleep

Do Not Disturb (updated in iOS 12) - (Settings -> Do not disturb) - Set schedule (including Bedtime) or manually set to silence notifications and calls (also auto-enable when driving)

Content and Privacy Restrictions - Set restrictions for content access and changes to privacy settings

From a psychological perspective, Apple is using the same basic BCTs (Behavioural Change Techniques) that other digital wellbeing tools are using.

BCT#1 - Goal Setting (behaviour) - Set or agree on a goal defined in terms of the behaviour to be achieved

BCT #12 - Self-monitoring of behaviour - Establish a method for the person to monitor and record their behaviour(s) as part of a behavior change strategy

BCT #37 - Remove aversive stimulus - Advise or arrange for the removal of an aversive stimulus to facilitate behavior change (includes 'Escape learning')

Whether or not these BCTs of goal setting, self-monitoring and removal of aversive stimuli (e.g. notifications) will help people manage their screentime remains to be seen. But Apple has missed a number of tricks.

First the iOS 12 digital wellbeing features are buried under settings menu, rather having their own dedicated app that would be more prominent and facilitate ease of access.

Second, the digital wellbeing features are scattered across various different settings, which may impede use.

And third, with the launch this month of the new iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR, Apple has decided to discontinue the small iPhone SE, which would have been an ideal device for those wishing to manage their screentime. Instead, Apple has maxed out on screen size with immersive screen experiences, and this will tempt increased usage.

If Apple wanted to show it is serious about digital wellbeing, then an updated iPhone SE with its 4 inch screen and with dedicated digital wellbeing features would be compelling evidence.

In a world, where no politician is going to get criticised for attacking Big Tech, bringing back the iPhone SE - wellbeing edition - would be a smart move for Apple.

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Apple launches iOS 12 with suite of digital wellbeing features

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Apple has released the latest version of its iOS mobile operating system, and perhaps the most significant change in iOS12 is a new ' Screentime ' digital wellbeing feature designed to help users monitor and manage their screentime.

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How To Child Proof Your Tech During Lockdown Wired.com

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How To Child Proof Your Tech During Lockdown Wired.com

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More comprehensive parental controls for Android can be managed with the broader Family Link service that covers everything about a Google account- see here for details on how to set it up. On your child's Android device, from Settings go to Google then Parental controls to link the phone or tablet to the Family Link app on your own device, which lets you configure the apps that can be installed, the times the device can be used, and so on.

Should your kids be lucky enough to have their own Mac, you can manage them using the same Screen Time and Family Sharing features we mentioned above-from System Preferences, choose Screen Time and then Options, and you can either just configure Screen Time settings (limits on app usage, content, and more) that are protected by a PIN code, or link the computer to an Apple ID in your family group.

Sticking to the most basic Screen Time option is an easier and quicker solution-tick the Use Screen Time Passcode box then your child won't be able to override the restrictions that you've put in place. Click Set up Family Sharing for more comprehensive options, which let you manage these settings (and get reports) from your own Apple devices, but which will also require your kids to have their own Apple IDs to log into macOS with.

The best way to manage parental controls on Windows is to go all-in with Microsoft accounts-by which we mean get accounts set up for all the people in your family, and then use them to put limits on certain devices. These accounts can be linked in your Microsoft family group ( Microsoft explains this here), so you can keep tabs on your youngsters while still giving them their own spaces and their own sets of login credentials.

To get started, head to the Microsoft Family portal online, choose Create a family group, then follow the instructions. Inside Windows, you can then open Settings and pick Accounts, Family & other users, and Add a family member to connect an account-this then lets you put restrictions on the sort of content that can be downloaded, on which apps can be used and for how long, on in-app purchases that can be made, and more.

Your kids might have already made best friends with your Amazon Echo, but you can limit what they're able to do with it. This is managed via FreeTime, which you can set up on the web-once that's done, you can turn it on and off for individual devices by opening up the Alexa app on your phone, opening the app menu, and choosing Settings, Device Settings, and picking your speaker or display. The FreeTime option will be one of those listed.

You have a few more features to play around with as well. For example, from the Alexa app menu, tap Settings, Account Settings and Voice Purchasing to make sure a PIN code is always required when buying something through your Echo devices (just in case your kids try and make a huge Amazon order). You can also choose Settings, Music and Profanity Filter to ensure you don't hear anything unwholesome while music is playing.

If you've got Google Nest (also known as Google Home) speakers dotted around the place, then you can use the Family Link service mentioned above to put some limits on what your children are able to do-this gives your kids their own Google accounts, and when that's all set up, you'll be able to use the Google Home app on your phone to set which speakers are able to recognize your kids' voices, put limits on purchasing, and more.

Another option you can use instead of or as well as Family Link is Digital Wellbeing. You'll find this if you open the Google Home app on your phone, tap a Google speaker and then the cog icon (top right), and then choose Digital wellbeing: the options here include controls for managing which video and audio content can be brought up with voice commands, and even what times the device can be used (so your kids will go to bed).

For a long time Netflix has let you set up multiple profiles to keep your kids' viewing separate (open up Manage Profiles from the avatar menu to configure them), but now you can protect those profiles with a PIN code too. On the web, go to the avatar menu (top right corner), then choose Account-click your account name then Change next to Profile Lock to set a PIN. You can also apply this PIN protection for logins on new devices.

Prime Video has an excellent selection of kids content, and some handy parental control tools too. On the web, click your avatar then Manage profiles to make sure everyone in the household has their own space (and their own recommendations) on Prime Video. Back on the settings page, you can also choose Parental Controls to set up a PIN code to protect your account, and to put viewing restrictions on content only suitable for adults.

Like Netflix and Prime Video, Hulu lets you set up multiple profiles on the same account: the option is under Manage Profiles on the avatar menu (top right). When you create profiles specifically for youngsters, you automatically enable protections that stop them stumbling across unsuitable material, but at the moment there's no easy option (like Netflix's PIN code) of stopping kids from switching between profiles if they know how.

Disney Plus is the big newcomer in the field of streaming services, but it's hit the ground running as far as parental controls go: from the web interface, if you click your avatar (top right) then Edit profiles, you can specify that a profile is for a child, which will lock it to child-friendly content. As it stands, your kids can still switch between profiles fairly easily from the Disney Plus interface, if they know what they're doing.

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How to Child-Proof Your Tech During Lockdown

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More comprehensive parental controls for Android can be managed with the broader Family Link service that covers everything about a Google account- see here for details on how to set it up.

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Really cool game but not really safe for kids because you have to pay for cool stuff like skins if you want them, so they ask you to share your information.

by C.

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Educational Kids Games - Cyber Five Internet Safety Game

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In today's always-on world, disconnecting can be hard. Below you'll find four tips for hitting pause to help you strike a balance that feels right for you.

For many people, checking their phone right before going to sleep is routine. Experts Nick Allen and Natasha Bhuyan M.D. propose ways to find balance with tech.

1. Tip 01

Wind down for a better night's sleep

Creating space from your device at night can help you feel more relaxed and help you sleep better.

2. Tip 02

Step away from work when you want to

Creating space from work-related notifications can help you recharge while away from the office.

3. Tip 03

Put your smart speaker to good use

Use your smart speaker and Google Assistant to create moments away from your device.

4. Tip 04

Create device-free zones and times

Designate times of your day or spaces in your home to be device-free. Finding a central place to keep your phone can reduce the urge to check emails and notifications.

More tips

Explore more ways to fine-tune your tech habits

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Unplugging from technology | Digital Wellbeing | Google

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In today's always-on world, disconnecting can be hard. Below you'll find four tips for hitting pause to help you strike a balance that feels right for you. For many people, checking their phone right before going to sleep is routine. Experts Nick Allen and Natasha Bhuyan M.D.

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How to talk to kids about difficult subjects

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How to talk to kids about difficult subjects

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Great advice from commonsense media

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How to Talk to Kids About Difficult Subjects

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In a world where even little kids learn about horrific subjects, it’s important for parents to put things in perspective, field questions, and search for answers together. Advice from Common Sense Media editors.

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I like Subway Surfers for when you are bored, but on the leaderboard you can see the names of people so try putting on me. Don't use your real name in games! 🙂
by D.

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February 11 2020
Safer Internet Day is a global campaign to educate children about Online Safety. Watch the video!

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Safer Internet Day 2020 - UK Safer Internet Centre

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Safer Internet Day is on the 11th February 2020! Safer Internet Day 2020 will be celebrated globally with the theme: Together for a better internet.

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Have you tried a body scan to take a screen break?

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Online safety guide for parents of 6 to 10 year-olds.

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Online safety guide for parents of 6 to 10 year-olds.

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supporting primary schoolers online

six to tens

`{`Music`}`

between the ages of six to ten it's

likely your child

might get their first connected device

perhaps a games console or a tablet

so take the time to have regular chats

with your child about their well-being

and safety online

this will help them develop coping

strategies to deal with online risks

and encourage them to make safer choices

`{`Music`}`

online

set up parental controls on your home

broadband as well as any

internet-enabled devices that your child

has access to

our setup safe parental control guides

will walk you through the steps

so you can get set up in just a few

minutes don't forget to check that any

online accounts are password protected

if you're concerned about the time your

child spends online

many devices and apps will have inbuilt

controls to help you set limits

on when they should be using them and

for how long ensure your child maintains

a good balance of online and offline

activities

and that their online activities are

positive and have purpose

it's helpful to agree some rules with

your child to encourage them to develop

good digital habits for the future

if you're looking to give them their own

devices choose ones that offer

child-friendly content and tailored

parental controls to give them a safer

space to explore online

don't forget that gaming consoles also

offer internet access

so it's important to set parental

controls

be involved with your child's internet

use this will make it easier for you to

advise them on issues they might

experience

and for them to share concerns about

anything that may upset them

encourage them to question what they see

online to build their critical thinking

create a user account for your child

that only allows access to the sites and

apps you've chosen

you could also set your home page to a

child-friendly site

such as an educational site like bbc

bite size

or a safe search engine like swiggle

activate

safe search settings on sites like

google and youtube

and encourage them to use child friendly

apps like youtube kids

many popular games involve playing

online with others

so be aware that your child may be

creating an online presence

age ratings on games and apps are a

helpful way of establishing if they are

age appropriate

and use the strictest privacy settings

if they're playing free to play games

make sure to set a password on your app

store account to restrict

in-app purchases and avoid getting

caught out with a big bill

as soon as they can share and interact

with others online

talk about what information they should

and shouldn't share

discuss what it means to be a good

digital citizen

and emphasize the importance of

developing a good digital footprint

some children may find themselves

bullying or being bullied online

so it's important to talk to them about

being a good friend online and where to

get support if they need it

remind them that they can talk to you or

a trusted adult if they have any

concerns

because safety on the internet matters

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Online safety advice for 6-10 year olds | Internet Matters

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supporting primary schoolers online six to tens `{`Music`}` between the ages of six to ten it's likely your child might get their first connected device perhaps a games console or a tablet so take the time to have regular chats with your child about their well-being and safety online this

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Good things:
Cross platform play
PVE mode for more relaxed players
Cheat detector

Bad things:
You can rage at it/players
In-game purchases
Mean people insulting you

What can you do to stay safe on Fortnite?
- don't buy anything
- tell an adult if someone insults you

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Keeping your personal information safe - Episode 3 - It's a serious game

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Get your kids moving, even if they are indoors!

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Common Sense Media editors help you choose Movement Apps, Games, and Websites. These great picks make all the right moves.

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Online safety tips for parents of 0 to 5 year-olds.

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Online safety tips for parents of 0 to 5 year-olds.

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https://www.internetmatters.org/advice/0-5/

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Fortnite is my favourite game by far!
PROS:
- In Fortnite you can play with your friends forming a team together. You can also talk to your friends while playing.
- Fortnite is also a good interactive game because you can play in "Creative" where you can build obstacle courses.

CONS:
- In the lobby random players can join and in the chat they can say bad things to you.
- Hackers can crack the system  and use your account, and thus your money, to buy stuff for themselves.

By: Thomas

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Tips and resources: Balance screen time with outdoor play

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Tips and resources: Balance screen time with outdoor play

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(Informative Australian website)

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THE ISSUE

Excessive screen time is a significant detriment to children's health, and has been linked to lower physical activity rates, and higher rates of depression and diabetes, consumption of unhealthy foods, lower cardiovascular fitness, lower academic achievement and reductions in time spent with family ( see Research information below).

While the correlation between excessive screen and reduced health is broadly understood in the community, modern families continue to struggle with effectively managing screen time.

The predominant advice provided for parents on screen-time is, at its heart, prohibitionist - 'just say no to technology". This approach has not worked and device ownership and screen use rates continue to rise among QLD children.

Modern children have grown up in a technological age and asking them to abstain from using that technology is tantamount to asking them to opt out of the culture they were born into, of which they are a part. This is, we believe, an unrealistic, if not unfair, request.

NATURE PLAY QLD's POSITION

At Nature Play QLD we believe QLD families will benefit from more balanced advice than the "just say no" norm.

Our approach begins from these core- premises:

1. Some level of screen time is a given for modern children, and it is not going away

2. "Just say no to technology" is an ineffective call to action

3. Screen time is not, in itself, dangerous/negative

4. The primary dangers of screen time are that it can lead to:

excessive sedentary (sitting) time

the displacement of positive behaviors/opportunities

5. Technology can be an ally for health

6. Parents are looking for practical advice

OUR ADVICE

The advice we propose has three strategies: REDUCE, REPLACE and BALANCE

REDUCE

Work with your kids to reduce screen time (yours and theirs). Even a little bit helps.

Set screen rules

Designate non-screen time

Avoid having screens in bedrooms

Parents should model screen discipline

REPLACE

Find technologies that are fun and active to replace sedentary technologies.
Examples: APPS

Nature Passport (mobile app Apple, Android)

Pokemon Go (Mobile app: Apple and Android)

Geocaching (Mobile app: Apple and Android)

VIDEO GAMES

Wii fit U (Wii U)

Just Dance (PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Wii U, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Wii)

Shape up (Xbox One)

BALANCE

Balance sedentary screen time with equal or greater green time (active, and or, imaginative outdoor play).

If your kid loves Minecraft, that's OK, but the more you let them play computer games, the more time you'll need to find to balance the ledger with outdoor play.
Examples:

Playing with friends at the park

Sports

Throwing, or kicking a ball, with a parent

Dance

Walking the dog

Use this great resource for inspiration!

We've put together a comprehensive list of the research that backs our mission and our work. Read the scientific studies supporting our efforts to get kids outside in child lead play more often...
Optometrists warn myopia a 'looming epidemic' for screen-addicted children Screen Time for Australian Children - By The Numbers Handheld Screen Time Linked With Speech Delays in Young Children Excess screen time leads to autism-like traits, including poorer quality friendships and fewer social skills Lifelong Residential Exposure to Green Space and Attention Beyond Blue to Green Physical Activity Report Card Think outside the Xbox Australian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for the Early Years (birth to 5 years)
More Inspiration

Want some more tips on getting the balance of screen time and green time right? Here's a selection of Nature Play QLD programs and information from our partners, supporters and friends to get you started...

Nature Play QLD Resources:
Green Time vs Screen Time Tool Nature Playlists With infants and toddlers Fun in the sun Neighbourhood Nature Play
Nature Passport Outdoor App

Nature Passport has a large, and growing, suite of outdoor activities including scavenger hunts, micro-hikes, a mud-pie food fight, cubby building, and bug hunts. Users collect badges, do team activities, and record pictures, notes, and audio from their adventures in a digital journal.

The app also has a safari feature that allows users to record animals and species, have them identified by naturalists, and added to one of the world's largest citizen science projects (iNaturalist).

DOWNLOAD FOR IPHONE
DOWNLOAD FOR ANDROID
Nature Play GROW App

Designed for parents and carers of children 0 - 3 years old, and early childhood professionals, GROW with Nature Play has age appropriate play lists that can help their child GROW during the important formative years of a child's life, in their:

Development

Health and wellbeing

Confidence

Curiosity

and Family Bonds

DOWNLOAD FOR IPHONE DOWNLOAD FOR ANDROID

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Excessive screen time is a significant detriment to children's health, and has been linked to lower physical activity rates, and higher rates of depression and diabetes, consumption of unhealthy foods, lower cardiovascular fitness, lower academic achievement and reductions in time spent with family ( see Research information below).

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Apps

Dangers

Being able to interact with people without seeing who they really are

Being able to post pictures publicly so everyone can see them

If you are in a Whatsapp group you can be added to a group without being asked

If you post something public everyone around the world can see it and save the picture on their phone and send it to their friends

Your friends can save and send your profile picture from their phone

Positives

You can interact with your friends

You can send fun photos to your family and friends

You can listen to new songs

Watch other people perform songs

You can challenge your friends to a game

You can play with your friends in the same team

How to stay safe online

You must read all the privacy policies of an app before you agree.

You can set all your apps where you can share photos to private so you can  limit the people who see your photo.

If a request asks you something like “if you want to play this game we need to see some or all of your personal data” always ask an adult before you accept. EW

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Listen to a great song about online safety!

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Listen to a great song about online safety!

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Safe Online feat' Low Road & Windmill Music Federation

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from https://kidsonthecoast.com.au/resources/downloadables/67-screen-time-checklist

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If suddenly something comes up and you don't know what to do, ask an adult and they will fix it but before playing ask an adult for permission N.C

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Roblox is an online game wich you can make friends on and chat with your friends you can also follow people and buy Robux to decorate your avatar

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Banter is meant to be light-hearted and friendly, but sometimes it can be taken too far, or escalate into bullying behaviour. You might not even realise you're doing it.

The way we talk online can also make it more difficult to know where to draw the line between banter and bullying.

It can be easy to misinterpret a comment or post, when you can't see someone's face or hear the tone of the person who posted it. In the same way, you might not have intended to hurt someone's feelings, but what you thought was friendly banter, could be considered bullying to someone else. Here is how you can help keep it friendly.

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Banter vs bullying | eSafety Commissioner

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Banter is meant to be light-hearted and friendly, but sometimes it can be taken too far, or escalate into bullying behaviour. You might not even realise you're doing it. The way we talk online can also make it more difficult to know where to draw the line between banter and bullying.

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Last week a man came to talk to us about E- Safety  and he said that you should download/play  apps and games that are for your age !

Parent always check what your children are playing/downloading!
V

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Are you looking forward to summer? We are! In fact, I can't for the days of laying on the beach and playing outside until the street lights come on. The thing that I'm not looking forward to is hearing those dreaded words. You know the ones I'm talking about. "Mommy I'm bored" or "There's nothing to do here" - Seriously?! If you are ever in this boat no worries. I've got you covered. Here are 100 boredom busters Summer activities for kids and the best part most of them are absolutely free.

Boredom Busters for Kids

100 Boredom Busters Summer Activities for Kids
Grab your Free Printable at the bottom of the page
Inside Activities (Think Rainy Days)

1. Read to siblings

2. Make a no-sew fleece blanket

3. Stack cups

4. Play Simon Says

5. Make up rules to a current game

6. Camp indoors

7. Rent a movie from the library

8. Read a book

9. Tell a story

10. Make a sock puppet

11. Bake something

12. Play library

13. Play a board game

14. Organize your dressers

16. Write a poem

17. Make animal masks

18. Do a puzzle

19. Write to your grandparents

20. Have a photo shoot

21. Make a no-sew fleece pillow

22. Make play dough sculptures

23. Play I Spy

24. Play dress up

25. Learn a new board game

Outside Activities

26. Play four-square

27. Build a birdhouse

28. Go hiking/jogging

29. Walk a neighbor's dog

30. Have a scavenger hunt

31. Have a squirt gun fight

32. Climb trees

33. Wash cars

34. Spray paint

35. Paint with flowers

36. Blow bubbles

37. Play in the dirt

38. Have a mini Olympics

39. Camp outdoors

40. Paint with shaving cream

41. Play baseball

42. Create fireworks in a jar

43. Melt crayons in the sun

44. Paint rocks

45. Have a relay race

46. Play Twister outdoors

47. Build a bird feeder

48. Build a teepee

49. Use sidewalk chalk

50. DIY an outdoor craft

More Learning - Educational Activities

51. Study different types of clouds

52. Grow flowers

53. Go bird watching

54. Try geo-caching

55. Build a backyard shelter

56. Identify different trees

57. Try foreign foods

58. Create a sundial

59. Make a stop motion video

60. Create an animal unit study

61. Build a mini volcano

62. Volunteer

63. Copycat classic art

64. Hunt animal tracks

65. Build a rubber band helicopter

66. Encourage recycling around the neighborhood

67. Make no-churn ice cream

68. Study animals habitats

69. Study a butterfly's life cycle

70. Study astronomy

71. Create a sun catcher

72. Fry an egg on the cement

73. Create rain clouds in a jar

74. Grow grass in a cup

75. Create your own game

Travel Activities ~ Places to go and People to see

76. Visit the park

77. Attend an outdoor movie

78. Visit a historical museum

79. Visit grandma's house

80. Visit a friend's house

81. Have a one-day road trip

82. Visit a water park

83. Visit the fair

84. Visit a playground

85. Visit the library

86. Visit/dress up for a fancy restaurant

87. Visit a place you've never been to

88. Go on a picnic

89. Visit a children's museum

90. Go hiking

91. Visit an art museum

92. Visit a live concert

93. Attend a community event

94. Visit a library's event

95. Visit the beach

96. Go window shopping

97. Visit an aquarium or zoo

98. Go downtown

99. Tour your local fire station

100. Make a summertime capsule

You can find everything from fun places to go, DIY, crafts, cool Science activities, outdoor games, learning fun, activities to do when it rains, plus so much more. Pin this list so you can find it later because you don't want to lose this one!
Everything except the travel of course 😉 Can be found on this Summer Activities Board on Pinterest!

Download your free Boredom Busters for Kids Printable below
You Are Also Going to Love:
Download Here ~ Free Printable

A must because it's Awesome and keeps your printables looking wonderful for years: Scotch Laminator and Laminating Pouches. Laminate this printable and post it up on the refrigerator. The kids will always be able to find something fun to do.

Studies have shown that if you really like this, you will also love the following articles. 🙂 I have pulled them together for you right here!

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100 Boredom Busters Summer Activities (Free Printable) - Natural Beach Living

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Are you looking forward to summer? We are! In fact, I can't for the days of laying on the beach and playing outside until the street lights come on. The thing that I'm not looking forward to is hearing those dreaded words. You know the ones I'm talking about.

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With children accessing the internet on a range of devices, the job of protecting them from things they may not be ready for online can be a challenge.

In recent years, a wide variety of monitoring software solutions have appeared to allow you to see what children are doing online and set digital boundaries.

With the help of Pocket-lint's Andy Robertson, we've given tips on how best to use them and reviewed the top apps available.

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Guide to monitoring apps for parents | Internet Matters

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With children accessing the internet on a range of devices, the job of protecting them from things they may not be ready for online can be a challenge. In recent years, a wide variety of monitoring software solutions have appeared to allow you to see what children are doing online and set digital boundaries.

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Tik Tok is now a very popular app. But not everything there is good. There was once a boy who got a phone for his birthday and he downloaded Tik Tok. But then at school, he saw he was being harassed by strangers. He told his father and he immediately called the police.  

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Tik Tok is now a very popular app. But not everything there is good. There was once a boy who got a phone for his birthday and he downloaded Tik Tok. But then at school, he saw he was being harassed by strangers. He told his father and he immediately called the police.  

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A short video and activities on how to interact positively online

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always ask an adult before going online or on computer game. if you want to find out how to understand what your children doing online just ask what is their favourite game.
j!

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What I like to do online and offline in holidays

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What I like to do online and offline in holidays

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I usually don't go on the computer
during the holidays . I usually go outside to play with my friends.
But sometimes I go online to study coding and check my emails.
By M.T

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All you need to know!

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TikTok is a social media app where users can record and upload short video clips. In August 2018, TikTok merged with Musical.ly, meaning all users with Musical.ly accounts were moved to TikTok. We've pulled together some information about the app and how to keep your children safe while using it.

The majority of clips in TikTok include young people lip syncing and dancing to songs or comedy sketches (skits). Users can watch clips posted by other members, and can set their videos to be viewed publicly to other users or privately to friends (also known as followers).

Like Snapchat, TikTok has filters where users can record their videos. It also includes other additional video editing features such as slow motion or speeding up videos. What makes this app popular with young people is the collaborative element where TikTok users can reply to one another and do joint videos on a split screen or participate in user created challenges.

TikTok users can send messages to each other within the app; privacy settings for this can be changed to allow a user to communicate with all other TikTok users or just to friends. TikTok has a similar social media element like Instagram and Twitter, where users can follow each other and like content.
Is TikTok appropriate for my child?
As there isn't one single body that agrees age ratings for apps, there are various age recommendations for TikTok;

TikTok state that users have to be aged 13 and over,

Google Play recommends parental guidance,

Apple's app store recommends users to be 12 and over.

If your child is using TikTok, we recommend speaking to them about how they can use this app safely. We also suggest reading TikTok's community guidelines, knowledge base for parents and privacy and safety sections.
Visit an O2 Guru in store
Our O2 online safety Gurus are NSPCC trained advisors based in O2 stores across the UK. They can help you to set up a device so that it is safe for your child, including enabling parental controls. The service is free of charge regardless of your network. Book your appointment with an O2 Guru today.
Call our O2 NSPCC Online Safety Advice Line
If you have a question about parental controls or a concern about a social network your child uses, O2 expert advisors, trained by NSPCC, are here to help. Call them for free on 0808 800 5002. They are open Monday to Friday, between 9am and 7pm.
Visit the NSPCC website
If you are looking for more online safety support, in addition to Net Aware we also have a wide range of resources, information and support, all to help keep your kids safe online. Just head to the NSPCC online safety section.

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TikTok is a social media app where users can record and upload short video clips. In August 2018, TikTok merged with Musical.ly, meaning all users with Musical.ly accounts were moved to TikTok. We've pulled together some information about the app and how to keep your children safe while using it.

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Roblox is a really cool game but its got some negative things  which  is that to buy roblux you need to pay with real money. Always ask an adult!
By:T.S

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When Mr Taylor came in the most important thing I remember is the video about the girl sleeping and walking and studying with her phone all the time.

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In summer I like to read kindles . My favourite book is Pippi long stockings . Instead when I'm not reading the kindle I like to swim in the sea

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In summer I like to read kindles . My favourite book is Pippi long stockings . Instead when I'm not reading the kindle I like to swim in the sea

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G.B
B.C

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Childnet Digital Leaders answer key questions on consent online for Safer Internet Day 2019

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Parental Control for Devices and Networks - ConnectSafely

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Software, apps, devices and other resources for parental control and content filtering.

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Roblox is a very nice game but if you want to get, lets say some cool stuff, you need robux which is money so, you need to ask your parents

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Roblox is a very nice game but if you want to get, lets say some cool stuff, you need robux which is money so, you need to ask your parents

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C.

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In one of our first e-safety committee meetings we agreed on positive suggestions for using Whatsapp:

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The whole school had a reunion with Mr Taylor last week. He gave us many reasons on why we should not spend all day on electronic devices and told us all the different ages that people should consider for using different apps. My dad added a special app that limits the time that [teenagers] people use apps. He controls the use of there phone and gives them very few gigabytes a month.
C.R

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When i have my phone in the summer i really like to listen to music so I can relax

Without my phone in the summer

In the summer when I don't have my phone I really like to go to the beach with my cousins and go to Mirabilandia and have a nice time
T.L.S.

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Try the pomodoro technique!

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Did you know how much kids know about online safety?

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Did you know how much kids know about online safety?

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Dear parents,
Here is a PDF of the presentation on e-safety from 16/05/2019
All the information can be found here!

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Overwatch is a super satisfying game where you can choose your character and use their special abilities to win a match.
Be careful when people chat to you as it could be offensive but people rarely use their mic on it but if you do have difficulty tell an adult.

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Child Exploitation and Online Protection command

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If you would like to contribute to the blog, please send an email to esafety@bsm.school

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If you would like to contribute to the blog, please send an email to esafety@bsm.school

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Share your online learning experiences, talk about your favourite games, or write an app review!

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9Htg8V3eik

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in the summer id like to use the camera to take pictures offun things or take videos of me diving into the swimming pool at my country house

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in the summer id like to use the camera to take pictures offun things or take videos of me diving into the swimming pool at my country house

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c.

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Nearly 300 million children are out of school due to coronavirus, with countries like Japan, Italy, and Iran closing their entire school systems to try and stem transmission and buy time as governments and healthcare systems cope with an influx of new cases.

As schools scramble to move teaching and learning online, parents are trying to figure out how to support their children's academic work while keeping everyone in the household sane. In addition to sharing space with their parents, the kids are battling isolation from peers, a frustration with being cooped up, and a sense that there is no end in sight. Common complaints include too much time spent online, no boundaries between learning at home and learning in the classroom (it's all homework now), and being lonely.

"Kids have found it challenging, and quite isolating," said Stephen Dare, head of Hong Kong Academy, which has been closed since February. It's an independent school with 600 students, ages 3 to 18. "They miss the opportunity to be in groups and to be sharing things in real time," he said.

Parents are stressed, too, whether worrying about their kids losing learning time, or high-stakes exams that may or may not take place, or how to facilitate their children's learning at home. And then there are the teachers, whose own well-being has been tested by their school systems' overnight transition to online instruction. Stuck in their homes, they're working around the clock to prepare lessons that will be taught in a new and unfamiliar medium, while also trying to help students who are struggling with an utterly alien way of doing things.

In response to demand for resources to support teachers from international schools around the world, Ellen Mahoney, the head of Sea Change Mentoring, created a free guide for teachers: Ten Strategies for Educators' Wellbeing: A Handbook for Schools During the COVID-19 Outbreak. (Sea Change helps international schools with well-being initiatives and social and emotional learning.)

Some of her tips may seem intuitive. For example, don't forget to schedule time to exercise-she recommends YogaGlo or Nerd Fitness; videos from Yoga with Adriene or the Scientific 7-minute Workout program also are good options. Other bits of advice Mahoney offers are less conventional, and perhaps useful for parents, as well as teachers, to consider.

Set routines

"As educators we know the importance of establishing a routine for children," Mahoney writes. "Routines provide structure and a sense of safety, which helps our students to be ready to learn and take intellectual risks."

Parents know this, too. Kids with bedtimes tend to get more sleep, and more sleep is associated with better physical, psychological, and academic functioning. When the school day has been completely upended, forming new routines is especially important. "These kinds of crises can make us feel unmotivated or powerless, and a routine helps us to keep focused and helps us feel like we are in control," Mahoney writes.

Create family schedules. Simple things like getting dressed in regular school clothes instead of lounging around in pajamas can help to normalize a non-normal situation (working-from-guidelines apply here: working in jammies is never really a great idea). Also, help kids understand that if they will be working online for long periods of time, they need breaks to move, to be offline, and to talk to friends.

Connect

Social connection is critical to human survival and quarantine is not conducive to it. Parents have to think creatively about helping kids create the time and space to connect. For example, Hong Kong Academy ran a virtual sports day. It was an effort to help students stay active but also to foster a sense of community. Older kids hardly need help learning how to find friends online, but younger kids might. Set up virtual playdates or a book club with friends, or have everyone watch an episode of a show and discuss it. Have kids cook and share their recipes.

Make sure they know they are not alone

If there is any novelty to staying home, it will likely wear off quickly. The kids may not like their new setup, but you can assure them that 290 million of their peers around the world are in the same boat. Assure them, too, that you are there to support them. "Shared experiences, especially when we think intentionally about them, create culture and community," Mahoney writes.

She suggests discussing that there are many "normal" emotional responses to a crisis, including fear, confusion, anger, guilt, shame, humiliation, grief, and sorrow. Kids may feel these at different times, and that's okay. Remind them that others, including their teachers and parents, may be feeling some of that. It's a good time for self-compassion and compassion for others-a lesson that will hopefully stick with them long after this particular crisis has passed.

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How to give your kids stability when coronavirus closes schools

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Nearly 300 million children are out of school due to coronavirus, with countries like Japan, Italy, and Iran closing their entire school systems to try and stem transmission and buy time as governments and healthcare systems cope with an influx of new cases.

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Did you know that parents say tik tok has inappropriate content for year 6 and below. Also, you can also be contacted by strangers.  

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Did you know that parents say tik tok has inappropriate content for year 6 and below. Also, you can also be contacted by strangers.  

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By Dev! :)

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Internet matters gives top tips for parents of 6-10 year olds

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supporting primary schoolers online

six to tens

`{`Music`}`

between the ages of six to ten it's

likely your child

might get their first connected device

perhaps a games console or a tablet

so take the time to have regular chats

with your child about their well-being

and safety online

this will help them develop coping

strategies to deal with online risks

and encourage them to make safer choices

`{`Music`}`

online

set up parental controls on your home

broadband as well as any

internet-enabled devices that your child

has access to

our setup safe parental control guides

will walk you through the steps

so you can get set up in just a few

minutes don't forget to check that any

online accounts are password protected

if you're concerned about the time your

child spends online

many devices and apps will have inbuilt

controls to help you set limits

on when they should be using them and

for how long ensure your child maintains

a good balance of online and offline

activities

and that their online activities are

positive and have purpose

it's helpful to agree some rules with

your child to encourage them to develop

good digital habits for the future

if you're looking to give them their own

devices choose ones that offer

child-friendly content and tailored

parental controls to give them a safer

space to explore online

don't forget that gaming consoles also

offer internet access

so it's important to set parental

controls

be involved with your child's internet

use this will make it easier for you to

advise them on issues they might

experience

and for them to share concerns about

anything that may upset them

encourage them to question what they see

online to build their critical thinking

create a user account for your child

that only allows access to the sites and

apps you've chosen

you could also set your home page to a

child-friendly site

such as an educational site like bbc

bite size

or a safe search engine like swiggle

activate

safe search settings on sites like

google and youtube

and encourage them to use child friendly

apps like youtube kids

many popular games involve playing

online with others

so be aware that your child may be

creating an online presence

age ratings on games and apps are a

helpful way of establishing if they are

age appropriate

and use the strictest privacy settings

if they're playing free to play games

make sure to set a password on your app

store account to restrict

in-app purchases and avoid getting

caught out with a big bill

as soon as they can share and interact

with others online

talk about what information they should

and shouldn't share

discuss what it means to be a good

digital citizen

and emphasize the importance of

developing a good digital footprint

some children may find themselves

bullying or being bullied online

so it's important to talk to them about

being a good friend online and where to

get support if they need it

remind them that they can talk to you or

a trusted adult if they have any

concerns

because safety on the internet matters

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Online safety advice for 6-10 year olds | Internet Matters

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supporting primary schoolers online six to tens `{`Music`}` between the ages of six to ten it's likely your child might get their first connected device perhaps a games console or a tablet so take the time to have regular chats with your child about their well-being and safety online this

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Cinema 4D is an extremely complicated software for School projects and Advanced animation.
This software does not have any flaws.
But the only thing is that if your account gets hacked, you will have to pay for the program again

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We watched this video of girl who texts a 'friend' online ... a stranger

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CEOP Primary KS2 :  'Jigsaw' Suitable for  8 yrs -- 10 yrs

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Welcome to the Primary School E-safety Blog!

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Welcome to the Primary School E-safety Blog!

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We will be sharing information and advice for pupils and parents about how to navigate the internet as safely as possible.

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26/03/ We watched this video which shows how to be careful when playing games online.

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26/03/ We watched this video which shows how to be careful when playing games online.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-nMUbHuffO8

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People should use less ipads and computers because if they play/watch it too much they become crazy.
V

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Our recent online safety expert told us about the tools for Android and Apple users which you can find in the links below:
ANDROID: https://families.google.com/familylink/

APPLE:
https://www.apple.com/family-sharing/

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Fortnite is a really popular game but in season 8 people weren't playing it anymore
but now so many people play it
but now people can join your party and put game chat and start saying bad things to you

ALWAYS tell someone about this

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Choose a theme on the right and find out more!

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Choose a theme on the right and find out more!

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You can give each post a rating from 0 to 5.

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Our E-safety reps from across the whole school took part in an assembly about consent in February. We talked about what to do when you need to give or ask for consent online.
Here are two slides from the assembly: