Whilst getting prepared for his GCSE exams this year, Anthony has been a user of internet. It's helped him access, practice questions, walk-throughs and related content that's hard to get on demand anywhere else. Who developed the model memory score model, what were the results of Piaget's experiments, what is the calculation for gross profit margin? Anthony's psychology and business exams results have no doubt been affected by his ability to access the curriculum instantly on a screen. ChatGPT makes him questions and even had a go at marking them and providing feedback. And finally, when he is stressed he links into songs.
But he also needs to be able to switch off and importantly stay safe when he is online. This is particularly important for neurotypical kids who can be more vulnerable and not understand the difference between online and reality.
New data from Virgin Media O2 highlights a significant increase in broadband traffic on weekdays after 3.40pm, largely driven by data-heavy streaming and families turning to platforms like YouTube for entertainment. According to the report, a key reason for this surge is that nearly five in ten parents (46%) continue working after collecting their children from school. As a result, many children are left unsupervised with digital devices, which can pose safety risks.
YouTube emerged as the most commonly used platform, cited by 61% of parents. While generally safe, it is not without risks. Concerns include exposure to inappropriate content, unmoderated comments sections, and targeted advertisements that may not be age appropriate.
Although a dedicated YouTube Kids app exists, it is unclear whether all parents ensure their children use this version. The standard YouTube app, despite its algorithms and content filters, can occasionally allow through content that is violent, disturbing, or promotes harmful behaviours unsuitable for children. Additionally, due to monetisation, some adverts may not be appropriate for younger audiences.
This highlights the importance of actively protecting children online, regardless of which platforms they use. Parents can take action by enabling broadband-level filters, applying search restrictions, and setting time limits on device usage to create a safer digital environment at home.
One way to ensure your child’s safety is by installing parental controls on devices and safeguards on broadband, and these can control, manage and monitor your child's internet access and activity.
Most devices, such as gaming consoles and laptops, offer the option to create child accounts. These allow parents to monitor activity and restrict access to certain chat and video platforms and inappropriate content for users under 18.
Parental control tools vary between providers, but most offer the following features include content filtering, screen time limit, activity monitoring to see what apps are being used, and communication controls to Manage who your child can communicate with online. Most providers also offer apps that allow for remote management, enabling you to control your child's device settings from your own device.
YouTube emerged as the most commonly used platform, cited by 61% of parents. While generally safe, it is not without risks. Concerns include exposure to inappropriate content, unmoderated comments sections, and targeted advertisements that may not be age appropriate.
Although a dedicated YouTube Kids app exists, it is unclear whether all parents ensure their children use this version. The standard YouTube app, despite its algorithms and content filters, can occasionally allow through content that is violent, disturbing, or promotes harmful behaviours unsuitable for children. Additionally, due to monetisation, some adverts may not be appropriate for younger audiences.
This highlights the importance of actively protecting children online, regardless of which platforms they use. Parents can take action by enabling broadband-level filters, applying search restrictions, and setting time limits on device usage to create a safer digital environment at home.
One way to ensure your child’s safety is by installing parental controls on devices and safeguards on broadband, and these can control, manage and monitor your child's internet access and activity.
Most devices, such as gaming consoles and laptops, offer the option to create child accounts. These allow parents to monitor activity and restrict access to certain chat and video platforms and inappropriate content for users under 18.
Parental control tools vary between providers, but most offer the following features include content filtering, screen time limit, activity monitoring to see what apps are being used, and communication controls to Manage who your child can communicate with online. Most providers also offer apps that allow for remote management, enabling you to control your child's device settings from your own device.
Even if we don't know how to do this, most parents have an idea they can... but it's less well known that broadband providers also offer filters and safeguarding add-ons that prevent children from accessing inappropriate sites, detect viruses and scams, and set time restrictions to help children focus on their homework.
Fibre Compare recently highlighted several features I didn't know about. BT’s parental controls mean parents can also manually add or remove specific websites from blocked lists and include a timer feature allows restrictions to be turned on and off as needed. Sky offers Broadband Shield, which can block up to nine categories, including adult content, violence, and online dating. SafeSearch can also be enabled to filter explicit content from Google and Bing.
Virgin Media offers Web Safe, which automatically blocks malicious or unsuitable content. Additional filters can be applied to block sites related to social media, gambling, and weapons. Finally, Plusnet provides Plusnet Safeguard, which blocks content by category or specific website. Parents can restrict topics such as violence, hate and intolerance, and adult content. Additionally, up to 30 websites can be whitelisted, allowing children to access them without restriction if deemed safe.
If you have any additional tips, it would be great to hear them. Lastly, I find that most questions about kids and being online can be found at Internet Matters, a non-profit organisation that provides parents, guardians, and teachers with tools and resources to help protect children online.
If you have any additional tips, it would be great to hear them. Lastly, I find that most questions about kids and being online can be found at Internet Matters, a non-profit organisation that provides parents, guardians, and teachers with tools and resources to help protect children online.
Being online is part of our kids lives, it's what they've grown up with and it's not doubt an important tool for them to master. However, they don't need to master it by themselves and I'm happy to get some support in helping them navigate this safely.
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