Expert / 18 April, 2023 / My Baba
New research from online child safety group Internet Matters revealed that only a third of parents talk to their teens about online safety once a week. And one out of six (16%) parents never or only rarely talk to their children about internet safety issues. We teamed with Samsung to bring you this comprehensive guide to staying safe online.
Online safety: the stats
According to Internet Matters, 56 % of 11-16-year-olds have seen explicit material online, and one-third of British children aged between 12-15 have encountered sexist, racist or discriminatory content, while one in ten children aged 8 -11 said they had seen something nasty or worrying online.
In addition, 74% of parents say they would wait until a trigger, such as noticing a negative change in their child, before discussing online safety with them.
Staying safe online with Samsung
Samsung, one of the world’s largest technology companies, continues to invest in updating their digital safety app for mobile devices (Samsung Kids) and control features across their Digital Appliances to make them easier for families to use. With Samsung’s family-friendly tools, you can explore the online world safely, whether your child is taking their first digital footsteps or growing in confidence and exploring new online spaces. Samsung’s family-centric approach to promoting a safe and inclusive culture online brings you the latest solutions for complete peace of mind.
The Online Together Project
Samsung and Internet Matters have teamed up to create The Online Together Project, to empower parents to have the knowledge and tools to keep their kids safe online. This interactive tool has been designed to help support all young people, their parents and carers, to develop critical thinking skills and encourage a positive and inclusive culture online.
The first phase focuses on breaking down gender stereotypes with content reviewed and supported by teachers and experts with Global Diversity Practice’s endorsement. The second phase focuses on tackling online hate with all content reviewed by online safety experts and support from Stop Hate UK.
To find out more, click here.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 series
The Samsung Galaxy Tab is a tablet loaded with parental controls via Google’s Family Link app. This tech lets you monitor their usage and prevent them from accessing certain apps.
Available in three different sizes. The Galaxy Tab S8 boasts an 11-inch screen, while Galaxy Tab S8+ adds more screen at 12.4 inches. Or, there’s the Tab S8 Ultra, with the largest screen of all, at 14.6 inches.
Internet safety checklist
We’ve pulled together some brilliant tips from Internet Matters and UK Safer Internet Centre, so you can keep your children safe online, whatever their age. Don’t forget to check out the age-appropriate resources on Internet Matters to help parents have the right conversations with their kids.
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Explore together
When it comes to internet safety, first things first: talk to your child about what the internet is and explore it together so you can show them all the great fun and educational things they can do. Reassure them that if they see anything upsetting, they should come and talk to you.
Be involved
Encourage them to use devices in the same room as you so you can keep an eye on how they’re using the internet. Stay inquisitive about what they are doing and encourage them to share their enjoyment with you.
Put yourself in control
Activate parental controls on your home broadband – a crucial tip for internet safety for kids. Most Internet-enabled devices also offer parental controls. For example, Microsoft Windows, Apple iOS, and Google’s Android all offer ways to control the apps and sites your child can visit.
Search safely
If you let your child search independently, make sure safe search settings are activated on Google and other search engines or set the default to one designed especially for children such as Swiggle.
Use passwords
Keep your devices out of reach and set passwords on all your internet-enabled devices and don’t share them. Then you’ll know when and where your child is accessing the internet. Also, set up passwords to make sure they’re not making additional purchases when they’re playing games or using apps.
Use age-appropriate sites and apps
Choose safe, fun, and educational sites and apps for your child. Use age ratings in the app stores to check suitability. Make use of platforms and services designed with children in mind like YouTube Kids, Sky Kids, BBC iPlayerKids, and Nick Jr.
Set boundaries
It’s never too early to start setting boundaries. Set some rules about how they use connected technology, including which apps and sites they can use and how long they can spend on them. Internet Matters have created a family agreement template that you can use to get started.
Protect your online reputation
Use the services provided to manage your digital footprints and ‘think before you post.’ Content posted online can last forever and could be shared publicly by anyone.
Know where to find help
Understand how to report to service providers and use blocking and deleting tools. If something happens that upsets you online, it’s never too late to tell someone.
Don’t give in to pressure
Keep calm and keep in control; once you’ve pressed send you can’t take it back.
Respect the law
Use reliable services and know how to legally access the music, film and TV you want.
Save up to £200 on the Galaxy S8 Series* Plus get a free Keyboard worth up to £299**. Offer valid from 15.03.23 to 11.04.23.
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