E-Safety
Talk To Your Child About Their Digital Life
How often do you speak to your child/ren about what they do online?
It has been found that having regular conversations about online use with our children will make them more likely to tell us straight away when something happens that they are unsure about.
It can be difficult at first because they may feel that we are checking up on them or that we do not trust them. However, these conversations are to show how much we care and keep them as safe as possible.
Follow the link to hear some guidance from a renowned child psychologist and read some top tips for starting conversations about online use.
YouTube - Talking About Your Child's Digital Lives
Online Gaming - Fortnite
What are V bucks? Where is Sandy Shores?
Since its release in 2017, Fortnite has become one of the most popular games on all platforms.
Fortnite has a PEGI rating of 12.
However, in recent years, the age-range of those playing it has become younger and younger.
The decision to label the game suitable for those aged 12 and over is because it meets this criterion:
”Video games that show violence of a slightly more graphic nature towards fantasy characters or non-realistic violence towards human-like characters would fall into this age category."
"Sexual innuendo or sexual posturing can be present, while any bad language in this category must be mild. Gambling as it is normally carried out in real-life in casinos or gambling halls can also be present (e.g. card games that in real life would be played for money).”
The PEGI rating only applies to the game itself, and specifically for an online multiplayer game, it fails to take into account the people playing and what might be said, such as graphic, abusive, or other such comments from player to player.
In the links below, should you choose to allow your primary-aged child to play, you can watch and read how to set up your child’s account to keep them as safe as possible whilst playing.
Setting Up Devices for Safer Browsing
The internet is vast and full of exciting content, but it is not appropriate for everyone.
There is always the danger that children will come across inappropriate content even when they are doing nothing wrong.
Setting up devices correctly is the first defence against inappropriate content and can be simple to do.
In the links below you will find guidance on setting up devices and some tips on how to protect your child from inappropriate content.
YouTube - Advice for Parents on Inappropriate Content - a 4-minute watch.
Set Up Safe Checklist - also attached below.
YouTube
Make sure your child is using YouTube safely.
YouTube is an amazing resource which all children can enjoy. However, as with all things on the internet, we need to be cautious of what is accessible. Below is a series of videos to help support you control your child’s YouTube viewing to best help keep them safe.
How to set your child's age on YT Kids: HERE
How to hand-pick the content your child can see: HERE
How to limit your child's screen time on YouTube: HERE
How to set up a YouTube supervised experience: HERE