Just before Christmas, the Children’s Commissioner issued two short reports to support parents with managing their children’s online use. What I wish my parents or carers knew about the online world… provides guidance for adults together with an Activity Pack to help get conversations started.
Some key messages are:
- Talking early and talking often is the most effective way to help children feel safe, supported and willing to come to you when something goes wrong.
- Be firm, be kind and trust your instincts.
- Your role cannot be outsourced. Not to schools, not to politicians, not to tech companies. No one knows your child like you do.
- 69% of children aged 8-15 spend more than 2 hours a day on screen, and 23% spend more than 4 hours a day on screen
- …devices like smartphones are not designed with the best interests of children at heart.
- When something bad happens online, most children said they wouldn’t speak to their parents or carers first… They worry parents won’t understand or stay calm, and fear their phones might be confiscated.
- Create a culture of openness, curiosity and approachability so your child feels comfortable coming to you with problems. Create the culture before the crisis.
The activity pack provides:
- A Digital 5-a-day
- Connect, including ideas for connecting in person
- Be Active
- Get Creative
- Give to Others
- Be Mindful
- Ideas for getting off grid
- My support network
- Real-life scenarios to discuss
- 5 tips for managing screen time
- A Digital agreement
Why not make time to browse through these short reports and see which ideas might benefit you and your family? I hope you find them useful and, if you do, please let us know.
Louise Mullier
Educational Psychotherapist