Issue 3
Plus Why you should think twice before sending a risky selfie Setting up controls for smartphones, search engines and social media
7 Young mavericks taking cyberspace by storm Advice on online bullying, stranger danger, in-app purchases and more The modern family Staying safe and still having fun in a brave new, connected world
Vodafone Power to you Contents
“Only by learning what 12 04 our children do and see in digital spaces can we truly begin to understand the risks online worlds present”
16
44 Welcome About Digital Parenting Vodafone is committed to giving parents Need to know Features How to… Resources the knowledge and support they need to 04 Regulators and service providers 12 No tech at the table and other 37 Set up parental controls on 47 The statistics, reports, news help them and their families get the most propose clearer rules on content; digital boundaries iOS, Android, BlackBerry articles and press releases out of digital technology, and deal with stay safe with the Vodafone and Windows Phone devices used to compile this issue any challenges that might bring. Guardian app; and getting to 16 Selfies and the risks of sending of Digital Parenting grips with ISP filters a revealing self-portrait 41 Manage your teen’s mobile costs Digital Parenting began life as a website launched in 2009. The following year 06 Who owns your social media 19 Instant Messaging: the ‘red face 42 Protect kids from harmful online we published the first Digital Parenting posts; how YouTube is cleaning test’ and other useful advice content with Google SafeSearch magazine and since then more than one up user comments; and million families across the UK have Facebook’s decision to let 20 How blockbuster games like 43 Take charge of your children’s received copies for free. ’m delighted to welcome you to the 2014 issue In this guide you ll find helpful ad ice from tweens go public Minecraft are enriching kids’ lives playtime on games consoles of Digital Parenting. I hope you find it useful experts, plus our popular ‘How to’ guides, with In this latest issue you ll find step by step and that it will become your year round point step by step information on setting up parental 08 Top apps for four- to eight-year- 22 Vodafone and Moshi Monsters 44 Make social networking safer guides to help improve your family’s online I of reference for problem sol ing whether you re controls, privacy settings and safe searches. olds; plus why trusting your kids team up to promote online safety security. These will help you set up parental the parent of a toddler or teenager, new to Vodafone has been working hard to offer when they’re online is better 46 Report online abuse or controls on everything from Twitter to your technology, or an expert in all things digital. trusted tools, tips and information for parents than tracking them 23 Who to talk to about nasty things inappropriate behaviour child’s Android phone. The generation that grew up with the internet and to help them bolster their confidence when you stumble across while surfing invests a lot of time in online culture, and get a lot it comes to understanding how their children 10 Smart devices are bringing UK We’ve also brought together industry back in return. Every day we hear great stories of interact with and use technology every day. families together; how tech can 24 How our kids are growing up online experts, psychologists and parents to young entrepreneurs making good, or apps with For example, we’ve recently teamed up with the enhance a child’s learning; and offer their advice on how to keep your an impact on society, such as those that help popular virtual world for children, Moshi Monsters, a guide to creating your own 26 Seven tech-savvy youngsters children safe online, as well as the latest children to read better at a younger age. to create a series of free cards that offer tips for family IT policy who’ve taken the online world news and digital trends. At the same time, we all remember media tales staying safe online in the form of acti ities by storm Published by Vodafone UK of children facing the dangers of cyberbullying, younger children can learn from and enjoy. Editor Stuart Knott chatrooms and social networking, or the I hope Digital Parenting will provide the 28 Why posting fun stuff about your Commissioning Editor Alison Warner Davey Robin cover): back and page (this Illustration Parenting Adviser Vicki Shotbolt unwanted results of sending a re ealing selfie. answers, or link you to the information, you kids could come back to haunt you Vodafone Editor Libby Pritchard It s an interesting uestion how to make need to support your children’s digital lives. Vodafone Marketing Communications Manager Lee Marsh the most of the devices and websites available, 29 Cyberbullying: what you need to Art Director Ben Martin but still ensure our children are protected from Cindy Rose know and why you’re never alone Senior Designer Ross Ellis seeing or doing things online that are unsuitable Consumer Director, Vodafone Staff Writer Krystal Sim Senior Account Manager Jenny Hogan for them or inappropriate for their age. 32 The dangers of dodgy downloads Strategy Director Lindsay Barrett The experts say that the short answer is Creative Director Matt Beaven Managing Director Toby Smeeton education. Only by learning what our children 33 When to prescribe a digital detox We do our best to make sure that the information in your do and see in digital spaces can we truly begin magazine is correct, but sometimes things change after it’s to understand the risks online worlds present, 34 Understanding stranger danger printed. Vodafone Limited. Registered off ice: Vodafone House, The Connection, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 2FN. Registered No. and help them to deal with the challenges 1471587. Published by Sunday Publishing Limited. just as we teach them to deal with problems 36 Why the OFT is cracking down sundaypublishing.com in all other areas of their lives. on in-app purchases 2 3 Need to know
Clearer rules on content In brief The fi lm classifi cation board oogle and the games industry ISP filters for adult content: 3.5 million get serious about hat young people can atch tablet-savvy children One in four children under he ritish oard of ilm Classifi cation Commission and the C Coalition to build and on internet content accessed on a mobile censorship or common sense? eight years old owns a C has long regulated the language test an age rating system for user generated de ice protecting children by limiting adult tablet, according to a T sexual imagery and iolence that children content uploaded to ideo sharing platforms. content to adults only. Comment uSwitch survey. and young people can see on the big screen. he trial went li e in Italy in arch. he Chair of the obile roadband roup amish John Carr What’s more, 11% of ow in response to increasing parental concerns nd after taking on the responsibility from the ac eod commented ith customers increasingly Member of the Executive two-year-olds are able about the content a ailable to children with internet obile Classifi cation oard in uly the C consuming content ia mobile networks we feel that Board of the UK Council on to navigate their way access the go ernment has said it wants the C is now offi cially charged with regulating mobile the C s unparalleled expertise will be best suited Child Internet Safety around menus and and the music industry to pilot an age rating internet content too. It handles the framework to pro ide us with the independent framework and apps. For more stats on how kids system for music ideos uploaded to online ideo that enables mobile operators to restrict access to guidance for the future. are growing up online, see page 24. platforms as soon as possible. their commercial content considered unsuitable Since games sold in the ha e oogle has said that if we start to age rate for anyone under the age of . his means the been regulated under the Pan uropean ame ideos they will carry the C age rating C will bring its fi lm and ideo standards to bear Information P I scheme instead of being ots of parents see the value of internet holder responsible for taking the decisions about 11-year-olds to learn a id ustin ssistant irector of the C certifi cated by the C. here are fi lters as a means of helping to protect using or later changing the fi lters. coding in school told the uardian. If it goes ahead the and ratings on games as well Ltheir children from age-inappropriate Some ISPs offer different fi ltering options one Computer coding will be taught in ratings for music ideos online will as diagrams on packaging to depict content. However, many feel uncertain about that bars adult content, one that bars nothing, and schools as part of the national mirror the P and the content featured. how to install the software properly. In 2005, a third option, which restricts content to material curriculum from September 2014. certifi cates currently used for fi lms. or more information about C the UK’s mobile phone networks solved this suitable for younger people. A couple of mobile Children will be taught how to he C and the utch guidelines go to bbfc.co.uk. o fi nd problem by turning on fi lters by default. Since operators do something similar. code and create programs, while regulator IC ha e also out more about age certifi cates for then, to access any adult content the account But who decides if a particular website should the UK government is providing been tasked by the uropean games go to pegi.info. holder has to go through an age erifi cation only be available to adults? Crucially the British a £500,000 training budget for process to prove they are over 18. oard of ilm Classifi cation a highly respected teachers to get up to speed. The government and many children’s independent body, oversees the operation of the Mike Warriner, UK Engineering organisations strongly encouraged Internet systems used by the mobile networks. The ISPs Director at Google, says: “The UK Service Providers (ISPs) to follow this lead. ha e no common standard. Some of their fi lters has a proud computing history, And in the summer of 2013, the UK’s four were found to block access to perfectly legitimate but with more and more industries biggest ISPs – BT, Sky, Virgin Media and TalkTalk sex education websites and those specifi cally wanting computer scientists, coding agreed to offer network le el fi ltering. designed to help young people. has never been in more demand. This simply means that all of them now These mistakes were quickly corrected, but it “It’s great that teachers will be ha e pre installed fi lters. nyone oining for provoked controversy. Members of Parliament trained to teach children from a the fi rst time has to decide whether or not they and representatives of anti-censorship bodies young age and hopefully inspire the want to use them. And before the end of 2014, expressed concern. A special working group next generation of programmers.” existing customers will also be asked. Once was established to ensure over-blocking was Read the success stories of seven installed the fi lters apply to e ery de ice in the kept to a minimum. It will probably never digital entrepreneurs on page 26. home that accesses the internet via the router completely disappear. each ISP provides. In the end fi lters are an aid to good digital However, there are differences between the parenting, and not a substitute for parents’ mobile networks’ and the ISPs’ approaches. If an engagement with their children’s online lives. ISP customer decides they do not want to use the fi lters e ui alent to asking for the adult bar to Resources be lifted on a mobile network – the ISP will not TalkTalk age erify who makes the decision. hey erifi ed Includes Kids Safe, Virus Alerts and Homework Time the account holder was an adult when they fi rst talktalk.co.uk/security/faq UK parents want more subscribed and assume it is the same person. invested in school IT Stay safe with the odafone uardian app ut ust in case it isn t and so they can keep track Sky Broadband Shield More than half (57%) of UK parents of what is going on – ISPs will email the account Choose which websites can be seen in your believe schools are not investing he odafone uardian ndroid Set a parent contact Set a password Enable Customise home and block the unwelcome ones enough in IT, according to research app is a ailable on oogle Play. ownload the app Create a password Message Helper the settings tinyurl.com/SkyBBShield from Samsung. The survey of more It helps parents protect their from oogle Play then to control the app cti ate this and the ou can control the 4 things you need to know than 500 parents of primary and child s smartphone from enter a parent contact no changes can app will show an I o settings for making about new web fi lters BT Parental Controls secondary school children also inappropriate calls messages number so you recei e be made to the ot ccept his button and recei ing calls Apply to any device connected to BT Home Hub revealed that 56% think investment and online content. ollow the steps right a text if the app is odafone uardian next to incoming text messages and 1 They are in place now for all new customers tinyurl.com/BTcontrols in IT infrastructure should come and you can block numbers restrict outgoing deacti ated. Click Sa e . settings without it. messages. Pressing phone features such 2 Existing customers will be offered a choice fi rst that digital skills should calls to specifi c contacts and transfer bullying ou will also get a text that button will make as i i the camera to opt in by the end of 2014 Virgin Media Switched On Families be embedded in the curriculum
text messages to a secure folder for e idence. if an emergency call is the message anish and web browser. 3 Different strengths of fi ltering are available An interactive guide to help you make the right and 40% that teachers need to be iStock Photo: o set up parental controls on other phones made from the phone. from your child s inbox. 4 The fi lters are mainly aimed at protecting choices about your family’s web use trained to meet these increasing see pages 37-39. young people from age-inappropriate content keepup.virginmedia.com/switchedonfamilies digital needs.
4 5 Need to know Translating Who owns what teenspeak The key to protecting your child online is to equip yourself with a you post on basic understanding of the things they do and say on the internet. Here social media? are a few acronyms to watch out for: ASL You might be surprised... Stands for ‘age, sex, location’. This could mean your child is licking the ‘Yes’ button to to use members’ photos in using an anonymous chat room. indicate that you have read advertising campaigns. C and agreed to a social media Jim Killock, Executive Director POS or MOS channel’s terms of use is, for most of the Open Rights Group, a Means ‘Parents over shoulder’ or of us, often not quite true. The campaign group for users’ rights ‘Mum over shoulder’. Similarly, CD9 length and breadth of the legal online, says many of these terms means ‘code nine’, which implies speak involved sets us up for failure are confusing: “People haven’t really parents are around; or KPC, which – Facebook’s terms of service and understood what they’ve entered stands for ‘keep parents clueless’. data use, for example, runs to more into. Often, companies will over-egg than 15,000 words. But when you’re what they need, and it’s a land IRL posting your entire life online, from grab for users’ rights and content.” Stands for ‘in real life’ – worrying if important events to precious family your child is using it in the context photos, it’s advisable to have an idea Is it worth it? of meeting someone they have met of exactly who owns your content. Social network users can express online, i.e. MIRL (‘meet in real life’) If you create it, you own it until their thoughts and feelings online or LMIRL (‘let’s meet in real life’). YouTube and Google+ take steps you say otherwise. Under copyright and keep in touch with friends to clean up user comments law from the moment you fix your and family near and far. They can ADR original creative work in a ‘tangible showcase work and give ideas a Short for ‘address’. Be careful and YouTube has partnered with The changes mean that only video uploaders and channel medium’, you own the rights to it. global audience that once seemed check your child isn’t sharing Google+ in a bid to improve users with a Google+ account owners review comments Typing a blog post on your laptop impossible to achieve. And they personal details online. the commenting system can comment, and a post’s before they are posted, blacklist or taking a picture with your can also make new friends all on its website. Previously, relevance is determined by the words, and whitelist certain smartphone counts. So, content over the world in colourful and PRON commenting allowed users to number of ‘up’ votes it receives, commentators so that their that you create and then post to entertaining ways. But be aware A deliberate misspelling of ‘porn’, share their views and opinions as well as the commentator’s posts will always be approved. Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, YouTube of what you’re signing yourself to try and get round a web search on popular videos, but the ease community engagement and YouTube has also revised the or anywhere else is still yours. up for when you post on social being detected by automatic with which people can post reputation. Comments from safety mode for browsing on By posting it online you have made networks, and don’t let the fi ltering systems. anonymously has been under users agged for spam or the site. o fi nd out how to set it easier for people to infringe your somewhat universal terms of fi re because of the negati e abuse will be buried. up the YouTube SafetyMode, rights by copying your content, but service put you off using them. Resources opinions that were being posted The new system also includes follow the instructions in our you haven’t given up those rights. Teen trends change fast. If an alongside many of the clips. several moderation tools that let guide on page 45. How to control your content acronym has you foxed, try But that’s not the whole story netlingo.com. When you sign up for sites such On Facebook... Limit posts to be seen by ‘friends’ and not ‘public’. as Facebook or Twitter, you grant acebook gi es to year olds the option the company a ‘non-exclusive, On Twitter... If your teen has a Twitter account, click ‘Protect to make their posts public transferable, sub-licensable, My Tweets’ so only approved users can see them. royalty-free, worldwide license’ to use Teenagers posting to Facebook can now share fi re from those who say year old users are any of your photos, words or videos. On YouTube... Make your videos private by selecting ‘Edit Video’, their photos, updates and comments with the unlikely to fully understand the consequences This means they can use, copy, then adjust the ‘Broadcast and Sharing Options’. If your teen has public. The new rules mean that users between of posting embarrassing or personal content reproduce, process, adapt, modify, an account, you can make it ‘Unlisted’ so only people with a ages 13 and 17 can post publicly, but will get a online, and who may wrongly assume what publish, transmit, display and distribute direct web address can find his or her ideos. reminder beforehand if they want to change they post can only be seen by people on their your content in any way, without the post’s privacy settings. ‘Friends’ list. Critics also claim that making young notifying, crediting or paying you. On Instagram... In the dit our Profile section scroll down and Teens will also be able to turn on the ‘Follow’ children’s posts public leaves them at risk of For example, a photo you post change the ‘Posts Are Private’ feature to ‘on‘ to make it less likely option, so their public posts can be viewed in other unwanted contact from strangers. on Twitter remains your intellectual that your photos will be reposted elsewhere. users’ News Feeds, such as friends of friends. A teenager who now joins Facebook will have property, but you give Twitter the Previously, teenagers were only able to their audience settings automatically set to authority to do just about anything Don’t forget that you need to be at least 13 years of age to share content with friends and those in their ‘Friends only’ and will need to manually change the with the image. This caused a have a social media account. immediate ‘network’. But under the new system setting in order to share their posts with the public. iStock Photos: brouhaha with Instagram last year Find out more about how to activate privacy settings on they can choose to share posts with anyone, just Find out how to review your child’s when the company amended its social media channels on page 44-45. like users over 18. The decision has come under Facebook privacy settings on page 44. terms so that it owned the right 6 7 Need to know
10 apps for ages Spying on your kids online four to eight acti ity is not the answer Toca Builders, £1.99 Stuart Dredge Stimulate your little one’s brain cells A wonderful creative sandbox: Comment Guardian columnist children build whatever they like Jemima Gibbons and co-author of and funny bones with these apps, all from coloured blocks, helped by six uthor of onkeys with Apps Playground’s 100 available for iOS and Android (and read robots – each with their own skill. It’s ypewriters yths and ealities Best iPad Apps for Kids about in-app purchases on page 36) the free-form nature of it that really of Social edia at ork appeals: the only limits are your child’s imagination and persistence.
oday s technology allows you to track know your child is specifically at risk it s better to e erything your child is doing online. start from a position of trust teaching them about T hanks to key logging web trackers and the dangers and concerns of using the web and 5 tips to help you e en simple history settings parents ha e the relying on them to make the right decisions. find the trust power to snoop on their child s entire digital life. Communication ee says is key nce you know nd with staggering figures showcasing children s what interests your child and how they use the balance Dipdap, £1.99 Zoo Animals – Touch, BBC CBeebies Playtime, Free online use it s no surprise that some parents web you can make sure they understand how to 1 Agree limits with your child Based on the TV cartoon, this artistic Look, Listen, £1.49 TV’s Octonauts, Alphablocks and as many as in ritain admit to secretly be streetwise online ust as you teach them to about how, and to what extent, app gives children drawing missions Pop-up books are fun in the real Tree Fu Tom get engaging mini- accessing their child s acebook account or be streetwise in the real world. you will monitor their social to help the Dipdap character world, but the idea has also games for pre-schoolers to play. spying on their online acti ity. y showing your child real life examples of networks and their browsing progress. Whereas some drawing translated to apps. This book-app for It’s been developed to ensure ore than two thirds of children aged eight to inappropriate contact or conduct you can bring the history. ‘Spying’ doesn’t have apps start with a blank screen and pre-schoolers focuses on wildlife, children can quickly play by in the use a smartphone tablet or computer message home more effecti ely than by playing to be secret. expect kids to fi ll it this gi es them with friendly narration introducing themselves – although they’ll to access the internet and what they re doing or spy says oanna allon founder of idsblog If you a focus for their scribblings. more than 60 animals. want to share it with parents too. seeing online is changing e ery day. ew social look too closely o er your child s shoulder it gi es 2 Keep an open dialogue with networks or chat options open the door to them the impression you don t trust them which your child about their experiences inappropriate contact and the sheer number could make them more likely to go behind your online. Talk to them about what of online destinations attracting our children s back and not tell you what they re doing online. they use the internet for, what attention can be baf ing. Send the message that you trust them. they enjoy doing and who they’re ust a couple of years ago acebook ou ube hile a suite of parental controls is always a communicating with. and the occasional upstart like Chatroulette were good idea products such as et anny or orton all parents had to contend with. ow there is amily filter inappropriate content less monitoring 3 Stay observant and curious Instagram Snapchat ruit in a sk.fm and a host and more dialogue is the answer to instilling in your about your child’s life. How Ladybird: I’m Ready to Spell, £2.99 Mr Shingu’s Paper Zoo, £1.99 Toca Hair Salon 2, £1.99 of other chat enabled apps or websites. Couple child the tools they need to stay safe themsel es. responsible and sociable they This digital offshoot of Penguin’s Kids create their own zoo of colourful From the team behind Toca Builders, this with the recent news that almost two million are in face-to-face conversations much-loved Ladybird books is a animals, folding them together this turns kids into hairdressers – ritish children under ha e been targeted by with others can be a good polished spelling app based around virtually using on-screen origami cutting, dyeing and brushing strangers on the internet and it s clear why indicator of how much freedom three simple, fun mini-games – instructions. It teaches children to characters’ hair however they like. allowing children to use the web unsuper ised you can trust them with online. each with three levels to suit save virtual coins to spend in the It’s another open-ended app, with is a daunting prospect for parents. different ages and abilities. game with no real-money in-app no specifi c goals other than to So what s the right answer when it comes to 4 Remember what it’s like to purchases required. create and experiment. keeping kids safe he debate is often split down be a teenager. It’s important the middle either full sur eillance style monitoring that they know you trust them is the only way to ensure peace of mind or any enough to give them some monitoring is considered tantamount to spying. privacy and to let them make ut there is a more moderate solution. atie ee their own decisions. Don’t watch founder of social media agency iramus ad ocates over their shoulder every time boundaries for younger children such as agreeing they use the computer. that they won t delete their browsing history and that certain sites are off limits until they turn . 5 Installing safety programs, Endless Alphabet , from free Hakitzu Elite: Robot Hackers, Free FriendStrip Kids, free owe er she also points out that s they grow parental blocks or security A quirky spelling game that uses a An inventive app that teaches Lets children feature in their own older it s really not to snoop on them. ou “As they get older, it’s really software will help to keep your troupe of noisy monsters to teach children the basics of computer comic strips, with speech bubbles wouldn t hide in a bush and watch them or not OK to snoop on them. child safe and reduce the need children more than 50 interesting programming by building and and suggested poses provided. peek through a window at a party for you to snoop on his or her
words. The spelling aspect makes it battling with giant robots. For slightly hey take photos to fi ll the frames You wouldn’t hide in a bush online activities. Think Google iStock Photo educational, but its playful nature older kids, it’s a novel way to start then star in more than 80 stories, Send the message that you trust them and watch them or peek SafeSearch, Net Nanny and means it never feels dull. Includes them coding for fun. Includes which can be shared. Includes oderate child safety ad ocates ha e traditionally Norton Family. in-app purchasing. in-app purchasing. in-app purchasing. espoused a trust but erify approach. nless you through a window at a party!” 8 9
Need to know Create your own family IT policy Mobile is at the Some age-appropriate action plans to keep children safe online heart of family New research shows that the majority of UK parents and children believe their family relationships are enhanced by mobile Under 5 6-9 10-12 13+ obiles are now fi r m l y thing they’d save if their house woven into the fabric of was on fi re. The big issues Create boundaries and Compile a list of Discuss online privacy Explain the pros Mmodern family life – so When looking to the future, rules for the amount websites they’re and the information and cons of much so that 75% of under-18s the differing views of parents and of time your son or allowed to visit, and they shouldn’t share Facebook now feel their relationships with their children is clear, with 63% of all the daughter can spend make sure they know as they use the they have reached parents, siblings and other relatives children surveyed admitting they online. It’s never too why some websites are internet increasingly the age at which are much closer thanks to these are “looking forward to a time when early to start putting safer than others. for homework they can sign up smart devices. And, according to all I need to carry is my phone”. limits in place. and socialising. for an account. the latest research from Vodafone, The majority of parents, however, 89% believe mobile technology are still to be convinced. Just 34% has helped them to get along of mums and dads can envisage The basics Choose an appropriate Set parental controls Agree a budget for better with friends as well. “a future where mobile phones homepage on your on internet browsers by things like apps and here are other benefi ts do everything”. family computer or creating a user account music. Giving them with 50% of teenagers feeling Teens are also having the last tablet – for example, for your child with Make rules for the control of their own more empowered to express laugh. They can’t conceive of a life bbc.co.uk/cbeebies appropriate settings. length of time they spending money can themselves through technology before the smartphone, with 50% Check out Google’s can spend on games be useful, but make – girls in particular say they are of 16- to 18-year-olds admitting safesearchkids.org consoles, tablets and sure your kids know more confi dent texting or using to feeling sorry for the dull lives for stress-free browsing. smartphones, as well how to manage their online messaging than talking their parents probably led in a as the computer. money responsibly. face to face. pre-mobile world. “Our parents The sense of security provided must have had a really boring Worth checking The educational Online The kind of language Facebook’s online by their mobile is almost universal time without mobile phones apps, games and TV virtual worlds and acronyms used by privacy settings and among teenagers too: 95% report to entertain them,” said one shows on offer for for children children in chat rooms. how commenting that they feel safer leaving the empathetic adolescent. pre-school children, of this age, Make sure you know and photo sharing house with their phone, mainly so and the age ratings and such as Disney’s what to look out for. works. Set up your they can call parents if they have descriptions for them. clubpenguin.com and Head to netlingo.com own account to get a problem. ne in fi e parents feel moshimonsters.com/ for help demystifying a feel for it or go to the same way, saying they wouldn’t “Our parents must parents cryptic teenspeak. facebook.com/safety let their child leave the house have had a really without a phone.
In fact, the mobile has earned boring time without iStock Photo: Talk it through Share your technology Discuss the benefi ts Give the reasons behind Explain the dangers of such a special place in teenagers’ mobile phones to rules with grandparents, and limitations of using boundaries, time limits sharing pictures and hearts that one in three say their babysitters and older the web to help with and parental controls, personal details online. mobile phone would be the one entertain them” siblings, so that they homework and other and be prepared to And don’t shy away stick to them when school work. start re-evaluating the from diffi cult sub ects they look after restrictions in line with such as pornography, your child or your child’s maturity. bullying and sexting. Digital media boosts children’s reading age by 2.4 years use the family Childline’s website can computer. help: childline.org.uk/ Technology is encouraging children are experiencing stories in multiple 2.4 years above their reading age. explore/bullying to tackle more challenging books, channels, with the top 10 dominated Professor Keith Topping, at the according to recent research carried by titles from the Harry Potter School of Education, University And fi nally… The rules and Other parents Tablets and games Technology will be out by the University of Dundee for series and The Hunger Games, of Dundee, who carried out the conversations you have at your child’s school are consoles shouldn’t second nature to your the What Kids are Reading report. which have been adapted into research, says: “It is wonderful now will set the tone for a source of information. become a regular child by now. Try to Renaissance Learning, which fi lms games or apps. what reading highly motivating your child’s internet use Chat to them about how ‘babysitter’. stay up to date with compiled the report from the Finding out about stories from books does for children. For years as they get older. they help their children new technology, social reading habits of more than different sources is inspiring children one to fi e children are reading manage the digital world, networks and websites. 426,000 children, found that to try more diffi cult reads too. he favourite books at far above their and make sure you’re all Techmums.co is full books were no longer ‘stand- report found that fi e to year chronological ability, but are still on the same page. of useful information. alone products’. Instead, children olds in particular are enjoying books maintaining a high rate of success.” 10 11 Family matters
Meet the Whittakers Anita Social media fanatic, blogger and mum of four
Johann Internet radio DJ and dad
Salvarni, 19 Instagram king and online anime fan
Kaliyl, 11 Aspiring fashion and design blogger
Alexander, 5 Getting ready for primary No tech at the table and school with educational apps Zach, 2 Loves tech and uses the other digital boundaries family gadgets You have rules for bedtime and homework but what about time spent online? Mummy blogger Anita Whittaker shares her tips for eeping her family safe and surfing
o you have rules for your children about Meanwhile, a 2012/2013 CHILDWISE Monitor what time they have to be home, or how report spoke to almost 3,000 young people D many snacks they can eat between meals? aged between fi e and across the and Maybe you have an entire list stuck to your wall, found that of nine to year olds ha e a with instructions such as: “Speak kindly”, “Always acebook profile in spite of the years minimum tell the truth” and “Laugh louder”. age limit while of se en to year olds Today, an agreement about technology dos and who use the internet reported knowing someone don’ts seems crucial. You might want to think about who had nasty, unkind or untrue comments the age at which your kids can sign up to social posted about them on social media. media, whether their mobile phone usage counts “It’s always easy to be fearful of things you towards their daily screen-time allowance, or if it’s don’t know about and that’s something the media for them to send selfies from the dinner table. can play up to says ill ardner Chief xecuti e When you’re a busy parent, it’s easier to just of Childnet. “But we’ve gone beyond the stage set all this aside to worry about another day – where it’s credible to throw the internet out. probably when your child is older and more likely Children see how their parents use technology to get into trouble. But now, even pre-schoolers and they’re going to emulate that.” are getting online and using technology. As parents we’re role models, but let’s be A 2013 report from the EU Kids Online network, honest: it’s hard to lay down the law if we’re Zero to eight: Young children and their internet addicted to technology and the internet use, noted that, “very young children (eight and ourselves. And who of us can say we’ve never under) are showing particularly increased patterns checked our phone at the dinner table when of internet use” and tweens’ (nine- to 12-year- a work text has come in or sneaked onto olds’) usage patterns “now resemble those of Facebook while the children play at our feet? teenagers fi e to six years ago . nd thanks to We asked a mummy blogger – Anita Whittaker blogs and social networking sites, where parents (onlyboysandtomboys.blogspot.co.uk), who share scans and pictures, most babies under the has four boys, aged two to 19 – how she and her age of two already have a digital footprint. family created a workable set of digital rules.
12 13 Family matters What boundaries should I set? Time Setting screen-time limits ensures that periods spent watching TV, gaming or online are done consciously and with the intention of enjoying them before switching off to focus on something else.
Money What are your rules around buying £ things online? How about downloading paid-for apps? It’s useful to make spending rules clear. You should also think about rules around acquiring and opening things that may be illegal or non-secure.
Responsibility It’s worth considering rules about putting away phones and tablets at the dinner table and any social gathering.
What technology does your family use? dinner, TV, bed. At the weekend, our time is split they say a letter and he repeats it, which is online because it can affect his future. Though it’s Kaliyl: The idea of my mum monitoring what Kindness Being unkind Anita: Johann and I have laptops and smartphones, between going out and time at home as a family. helping him with his speech. his private space, it’s still public information. I’m doing is quite spooky. I can understand if ?@!* is easier digitally – kids and so does Salvarni. I also have a tablet – and We usually take a tablet when we go out to keep there was a problem though, like people don’t have to see the Kaliyl will use one when he’s doing his homework. the younger ones busy. It s about fi nding a system When should kids get their own mobile? Salvarni: I know where my mum’s coming from. saying rude things to me. hurt on someone’s face when they They even have special protective cases so that that works for us – we don’t sit in different places Anita: I don’t think a child under 12 should have At times it’s jarring, though, because I know a send a mean text. Some parents our youngest kids can play with them. in the house and use our devices. We tend to spend a phone, although Kaliyl desperately wants one. lot of what she’s telling me. I don’t use Twitter How is your system working for your family? use the ‘grandma test’ – if it’s not a lot of time together when we’re using them. much, but when I did, I blocked my whole family. Anita: We don’t look back and think we should something you’d send to your gran, How do you manage your family’s digital Kaliyl: I want one because it’s an easy way to talk My Facebook is more open, so certain things have done anything differently. But what we’ll do it’s not OK to send to anyone else. usage and interactions online? Salvarni: If I’m using my parents’ devices, they’ll to my friends from primary school who I won’t see I keep on the down-low because I have older when Zach and Alexander are Salvarni’s age, we Plan with your children what they’ll Anita: As parents, we’re quite clued-up about kick me off at some point. But when I’m using my again when I go to secondary school. relatives as friends. Instagram is a different honestly don’t know. When Salvarni was Kaliyl’s do if they are ever bullied online, so the technology out there and different social phone or laptop, I use them for as long as I want. story – I have all sorts of stuff up there. Lots of age, none of these things existed. In another you both feel prepared. media. We all know how to use laptops, mobiles, I spend a lot of time watching anime online. Anita: Until he goes to secondary school in my friends’ parents don’t even know about sites 10 years the internet will be a different place tablets – from downloading books to read September, he doesn’t need a phone. I’ll get him like Instagram. That could be their downfall. entirely. We’ll just roll with it so we’re able to Sharing It’s illegal to to the kids at night to writing my blog. Kaliyl is Do your youngest kids use apps and tech? one then so I know where he is and he can call or But really, it’s all about how smart you are. If support the boys, whatever crops up. publish video or images interested in blogs and Johann DJs on a web radio Anita: I started downloading nursery-type text me if he needs to. But, at his age, I feel that you’re going to put something out there that of friends without their station. The internet is very much part of our lives, apps for Alexander that had to do with the the social side is more about interacting with you don’t want lots of people to see, then don’t How would you deal with cyberbullying? permission, which means children and that works to our kids benefi t they re alphabet and counting. Zach watched friends face to face, the technology is for put it out there. If you’re going to do it, have it all Anita: We work behind the scenes to ensure should be very careful about social learning with it and we can maintain a level of Alexander use those and wanted to get homework, and games for downtime. as private as possible or delete it after a while. our children are confident so that bullying is media. Kids should also be aware security and safety because we understand it. involved, so I downloaded some for him that It’s down to the individual. not an issue for them either on or of ine. e that photos they send of themselves were a bit simpler. For example, he pushes Do you use parental controls on any understand the techno world, but also maintain can be forwarded and saved – so Do you put any restrictions on how long something and it makes a sound. He started of their devices? Are you hesitant about your younger kids a traditional family situation where we try to talk each one they send should also your kids can spend on digital devices? using these from when he could fi rst sit up at Anita: When Kaliyl gets a phone, I’ll check the using Facebook when they turn 13? about these subjects together as regularly as pass the ‘grandma test’. It’s crucial Anita: With everything they use. From games fi e months old mostly an app with a drum parental blocks are activated. He’s unaware at Anita: Salvarni was nearly an adult when possible. (For more advice on bullying, turn to to make clear to children what they consoles to watching TV – there’s a time for set that he could hit. Now he knows how to the moment of what’s out there and what he social media kicked off, so we didn’t have our feature on page 29.) should never tell someone, including everything. Kaliyl is at an age where he’s using the turn the tablet on and take pictures with it, could come across by accident. We believe it’s to monitor him. How we handle social what school they go to or details internet for his homework, so he’s allowed online and he likes to swipe the screen. He uses important to have blocks on all the devices for media with our three younger sons will be What advice would you give to that might identify them. for as long as he needs. In the week, it’s homework, Elmo’s World, the Sesame Street app – our children while they’re under 16 so we can new to us. Johann and I use social media for other families? retain an age-appropriate level of freedom. work so we recognise its benefits I may Anita: Don’t be scared to try everything out. Content For kids who “Most of my friends have have it on 24 hours a day. It’s an opportunity Ask somebody or talk to your children. If I don’t are media savvy and have Kaliyl: Most of my friends have smartphones, for them to experience things that they know what something is, I Google it. There are so their own blog, remember smartphones. They can but their mums don’t know what they’re really up otherwise wouldn’t. But that’s where monitoring many blogs and websites out there that can help that online seldom means private. do anything they want to. They can do anything they want – like watch and restrictions come in. When Kaliyl is old you understand what to do. hen I first heard They should automatically assume videos on YouTube – without their mums knowing. enough to have a Facebook page, I’ll let him about Instagram, I had no idea what it was, so I that anyone they write about will – like watch videos on know that I’ll be monitoring his account – looked it up. Now, I’m signing up and I use it all one day read their words – so no YouTube – without their What about using social media? at least until he starts knowing how to use it. the time – much to Salvarni’s disdain. Try things mean comments about teachers, Anita: We disagree about sites like Instagram. We want to make sure our youngest children out for yourself and you’ll get a feel for what parents or schoolmates. mums knowing” We tell Salvarni to be careful what pictures he puts get the right experiences. your kids are using. 14 15 Selfies
“ ou got me lookin’ so crazy in love,” sings it’s more common than you’d think: 40% of and its Impact on the Tech Industry. “It’s not a rare Beyoncé, and if the Queen of Pop can 14- to 16-year-olds say they have friends who practice, but it’s not typically a visible one. Also, Y admit it – so can we. Love makes us do have engaged in this kind of texting. the vast majority of sexting actually takes place silly things. nd teens experiencing their first shot But the following statistics may be more between two people who are in a relationship. at romance can be sillier than most. It’s not that surprising still: 20% of the teens interviewed And while there are numerous stories of how a today’s teenagers are more foolish than we were. didn’t think there was anything wrong with full jaded lover turned malicious, the vast majority The difference is that, unlike us old folks, most nudity in such images and 40% thought going of relationships do not end that bitterly.” have an internet-enabled phone in their pocket. topless was acceptable too. But there are exceptions. Before her fame ur first irtations may ha e ranged from a “It’s important to remember that most teens as an X-Factor judge, Tulisa Contostavlos and cheeky Valentine to a sexy polaroid shot. But never get caught for their participation in sexting,” her then beau MC Ultra made an intimate video. without access to smartphones or the web, our says youth researcher and social media scholar Several years later, when Tulisa was enjoying romantic gestures, however embarrassing, were anah oyd in her in uential paper Teen Sexting weekly fame on a prime time TV show, her rarely seen by anyone else, bar the person we ex-boyfriend released it on YouTube. “When sent them to – or perhaps their mum. you share an intimate moment with someone Today, the worldwide web and the various you love and trust, you never imagine for one social networking sites it hosts can see one minute that footage may at any point be shared adolescent slip-up viewed and shared with friends, with the rest of the UK,” the singer stated in her and friends of friends. Unlike physical cards or YouTube apology to fans. She later brought photos, the internet never forgets and, once charges against MC Ultra for alleged breach posted, digital content can last a lifetime. So of pri acy and confidentiality. any fallout won’t entirely disappear, and may The lesson is clear: never share a naked potentially resurface in years to come. photo. Not least because, for under-18s too, ake the selfies trend among teens. selfie there is the possibility of an even more punishing is a self-portrait taken on a smartphone camera outcome. Any image(s) they have sent may or webcam to mark a silly or special moment constitute an indecent image of a child – an in daily life. Mostly they are spontaneous, and offence which can be prosecuted under the often they’re shared online. “When you share an intimate Protection of Children Act 1978. o a lo ed up teen sending an explicit selfie “Teen sexting, is a very rational act, with very also known as ‘sexting’ – can be a way to take a moment with someone irrational consequences,” says Danah Boyd. It relationship to the next level of intimacy. While you love and trust – you can be hard to broach the topic of sex and sexting they might not feel ready to consummate a with your teenager. But it is worth pointing out relationship in real life, they’ll willingly send a never imagine for one that sending an intimate picture of your body provocative photo. This could range from “a nude minute that footage may is not the only way to express affection. shot or a provocative picture in their underwear, to at any point be shared However, it’s not just those in steady a rude text or video,” explains Claire Lilley, Head of relationships that send explicit photos. There Child Safety Online at the NSPCC. And, according with the rest of the UK” are lots of reasons why young people might to recent research from Plymouth University, Tulisa Contostavlos send one, says Claire Lilley at the NSPCC.
Selfies fi e con ersation starters
Start with the facts Help them consider Focus on issues rather Make it relevant Think about Explain that, if a teen has the consequences than technologies Experts no longer label your ‘worst case Picture this an indecent image of What parents and children It’s important to understand content ‘inappropriate’ scenario’ plan another minor, they are worry about is vastly the link between off and and encourage parents to If the worst does happen, committing an offence. different. Young people online vulnerability. consider what is ‘stage it’s important to know our loved up teen decides to ta e a casual irtation up worry more about their Cyberbullying, for example, appropriate’. Be realistic what to do and who a notch by sending a risky self-portrait to their current friendships today than any is often a continuation of and avoid shame or being to turn to for support. future implications such bullying in the classroom, dismissive of any sexual There are a number of crush’s phone. Instead of keeping it private, though, the as job opportunities. so making a bullied child content outright. For charities and government recipient shares it online. What happens next? close their social network example, a common organisations to help accounts is unlikely to phrase is “porn isn’t real parents and young people resolve the problem. sex, it’s just fantasy”, who have fallen victim when in fact online porn to abuse or exploitation is real and sex can online or through mobile involve fantasy. devices. See page 23 for more information about support. 16 17 Selfi es Instant messaging
That’s GR8 M8 ;-) It’s fast, free and kids can’t get enough of it. Here’s how to use IM smartly and still have fun
hey could do it to fi t in pro e their sexuality a mistake, acknowledge that you have learnt Joanne Mallon or because they feel harassed, threatened or from it and tell them that you’ve moved on. Founder of blackmailed into it.” Kids’ Blog Club and Teens can come up with their own innovative Resources MediaWomenUK ways to fend off the pressure, but for those Advice for young people: struggling for inspiration, there are apps such as oiimysize.com A straight-talking site created by Zipit, designed by the NSPCC and ChildLine to get teenagers, with a section dedicated to ‘sexting’. verybody’s using instant “My 12-year-old daughter Mia “Your child is no more at risk than They then discovered someone irting back on track through a mix of humour and thinkuknow.co.uk The National Crime messaging (IM) these days, uses instant messaging to stay in they would be on any other form of had taken a screenshot and sent witty comebacks. (See below, for more details.) Agency’s Child Exploitation and Online E my 13-year-old daughter tells touch with me when she’s at her social media, so the same sort of it to their friends.” Even if an image is out there, there are things Protection (CEOP) Command website is split me with that familiar teenage roll of father’s house – he has very poor rules apply,” he adds. IM-ing may feel like a private that can be done. Asking the recipient to delete into age-appropriate sections. You can watch 3 ways to manage her eyes. For those of you not in the reception. She chats to her dad In many chat apps, for example, chat but it’s not. Children write and it is the fi rst option. In many instances they ll xposed here. his se en minute fi lm is aimed know, instant messaging is a blend over Kik Messenger when she’s the privacy settings will be off by respond fast and the acronyms understand. If it has been shared on social at 14- to 18-year-olds and warns them of the online content of email, webcam or chat that you at home, and he is far more a part default and it’s up to the user to and emoticons they use can lead to networks, you can contact the site and ask for dangers of sending intimate selfi es and sexting. Prevention is better than cure can send to someone in real-time of her daily life as a result.” create privacy settings they’re happy miscommunications and the wrong its removal. (See page 46 for details of how to childline.org.uk Practical ad ice a confi dential Educate young people to via the internet. with. There are also some basic rules people viewing messages. report online concerns.) helpline, online agony aunt and videos. thin fi rst post later Whilst you can IM via computer Different medium, same rules to talk to your child about, such as “What’s important,” says Dan If, however, an image has been shared on an s S S e S Discuss potential negative or tablet, the channel of choice for “Instant messaging has been around not using their real name on a public Raisbeck, “is that parents understand adult site which is hosted outside the UK, it’s out e l e Downloadable PDF written for conse uences ith them This modern teens is the smartphone. for a long time in various forms,” profi le ne er adding a location to what tech and apps their children are there. You won’t stop those that are searching teens that have sent a sexually explicit photo or includes eeping images of ccording to research ad isory fi rm says Dan Raisbeck, co-founder of messages or photos, and never using and always keep talking and hard enough from fi nding it. text and need some help. themselves or others on their mobileYouth, 78% of teenagers now anti-bullying charity, Cybersmile.org. accepting a follower or friend whom listening both online and of ine. But a teen’s online life is unlikely to stop, even digital devices hich could be use IM to plan their social lives. they don’t know in real life. if they have had a bad experience. In this instance, Advice for parents: hac ed or accessed by a third suggest the authors of teen advice manual So You theparentzone.co.uk Has a digital parenting party and exposed Encourage So what do teens use IM for? Take a second before you send 7 instant messaging Got Naked Online, it can be worth increasing the section with videos, ‘how to’ guides, and features. them to limit the sharing of Children love sharing their lives in “My daughter’s Lunchboxworld.co.uk founder and safety tips amount of positive content they have online. S Includes a specifi c ad ice section personal information online a visible way, more often than not friends were caught mum of three, Caroline Job, has an 1 Choose a non identifi able “Comment on news stories, run a small blog… this for parents explaining the ‘sexting’ phenomenon they’ll be sending a funny link, a additional family IM-ing rule called non gender specifi c screen can help bury the bad stuff way down a search list.” and where to get help. Manage privacy settings video or a picture, and the apps out by Snapchat – the ‘red face test’. “The aim is to name – and keep it clean. nd if those pictures do fi nd their way to mariecollinsfoundation.org.uk A UK charity or t eens it s best if they eep that allow this to happen are a someone had get kids to stop and think before the surface at a future job interview, the best that helps children who have suffered sexual their content only visible to cheap, easy way to do it. they send. Some of my daughter’s 2 Avoid giving out personal approach is honesty. Admit that you have made exploitation via internet and mobile technologies. approved friends and are ary Mother of three, Holly Seddon, taken a screenshot friends have been caught out by details, such as your real of accepting friend re uests from editor-in-chief of parenting and and sent it to Snapchat. They were snapping name or email address. strangers There are also options technology community Quib.ly, inappropriate shots, thinking li e changing the settings to sees huge benefi ts to using I . their friends” they’ll be automatically deleted. 3 on t accept fi les or prevent others tagging you downloads from people you in images or posts therefore don’t know, including URLs. Zipit app helps kids say no to sexting removing content from being ChildLine has launched a new app that gives teens a unique way associated ith your profi le Popular IM apps and services 4 Be extra careful with any to combat the sharing of intimate pictures or videos via text. contact request from friends The Zipit app includes advice and funny pictures that young people Contact third parties BlackBerry® Snapchat Ask.fm of friends. can send to defuse the tension of sexting situations. You can also here a third party is involved Messenger Free photo-sharing app A social network where share Zipit images through other apps like Instagram, depending it s orth contacting the person Lets users message where users decide people can ask each 5 Never arrange to meet on your phone and the apps you have. The most popular image that posted the content each other for free. how long the image will other questions, someone of ine that you only is a photo of a toilet with the caption: ‘This dirty enough for you?’ ometimes they may not have Unlike normal texts, live (1-10 seconds) after anonymously. You can know through IM conversations. A ChildLine survey found that 60% of young people had been realised it s an issue and ill BBM messages can be it’s viewed. This doesn’t change your settings asked for a sexual image of themselves. A spokesperson said sexting remove it Most ebsites have sent to lots of people mean it can’t be so people can’t ask 6 Learn how to save copies is so common that young people “don’t tend to question it. The app a contact option to report at once, allowing large captured by taking a questions without of your IM conversations. gives them a tool to deal with unwanted requests without feeling content and re uest removal group conversations. screenshot! You can identifying themselves. like a victim or losing face.” Zipit is free to download and is available (See page 46 for more on ho only share with friends There’s a ‘report’ abuse 7 Don’t send mean IM messages for Android, Apple and BlackBerry smartphones (and iPod touch). to report online concerns and you have to be 13 button. Children must or incite others to either. or over to use it. be over 13 to use it. 18 19 Games for good Did you know? Around 33 million people in the UK play video games – 23% of them are aged 16-24. There’s a 51% to 49% split between men and women
The power of play rom problem solving to con ict resolution video games are a great ay for ids to develop core s ills
nce the preserve of testosterone-fuelled has no obvious goal other than using three- resolution. “By using Minecraft, students are Stormbreaker novel to life, coding levels that would time they spend with games could be doing teenage boys obsessed with shooting dimensional blocks to build structures, has sold improving their problem-solving skills, help to develop the protagonist’s skills. Deputy for their future skills. 5 tips for staying safe in O everything that moved on their computer more than 35 million copies globally across both communication skills and collaborative working head at Barlow’s, Stacey Feenan, said the project online multiplayer games monitors, video games now have universal appeal. console and mobile platforms. And gamers have – and they’re showing respect for the virtual was a revelation in game-based learning: “It has Adapting technology to aid lives Driven by the popularity of consoles and mobile used it to recreate, in the most painstaking detail, worlds their friends have built. enabled pupils to develop programming, logic, Beyond education, games can help to improve 1 Encourage your child to use a nickname devices, everyone from toddlers and teens to everything from the continent of Westeros in “For me, Minecraft is the best ‘hook’ you could teamwork and problem-solving skills, while having kids’ quality of life too. SpecialEffect is a UK and not their real name when playing online. parents and grandparents are spending sizeable TV’s Game of Thrones to Hogwarts School of possibly have. If you say, ‘today, kids, we’re going fun. They’ve seen their games console in a whole charity that modifies e uipment and consoles chunks of time exploring virtual worlds. Witchcraft and Wizardry. to look at X using Minecraft’, a loud cheer erupts new light, discovering the science behind the play. to le el the gaming playing field for people with 2 Make sure they know not to share personal And, played in moderation, it seems they’re not Teachers Santeri Koivisto and Joel Levin across the room. They’re learning through play, In a world where students are on the lookout for disabilities – and help them enjoy the inclusivity, information that could identify them, like bad for us either. A decade-long study of 11,000 UK recognised how the game could be modifi ed for and it’s learning that sticks with them.” the next big thing in technology, this game allows competitiveness and fun of video games. their school, address or phone number. children, recently published in the British Medical deployment in schools, and set up MinecraftEdu them to be the next big thing themselves, through Personalised technology brings to life the Journal, found that playing video games from as to make it a reality. Koivisto believes the model Inspiring the next generation exciting creation and logic tools.” gaming experience – and enables them to 3 If you allow your youngster to use the voice young as fi e years old doesn t lead to beha ioural for educational games is broken, and that the best Introducing online play in the classroom is more Dr Maria Stukoff, Head of Academic interact and socialise with friends and family chat function on their console, remind them attention or emotional problems later in life. approach is simply to engage kids better. than just a handy study aid, though. Game-based Development at SCEE, also believes that game- in a way that we tend to take for granted. that the people they talk to are still strangers, In fact, research suggests that video games “Games create interest, and interest creates learning could also inspire the next generation based technologies have much to offer in terms “Although our primary focus is on helping and to be cautious . can be a force for good – improving kids’ spatial engagement,” he says. “Students who are of game designers, and give children a leg-up of child de elopment. uture fit skills such as people benefit from the fun and inclusi ity awareness and problem-solving skills, as well concentrating absorb more information, faster. when it comes to vital 21st-century skills. programming, art and design, 3D world-building through video games, there’s often a wider 4 If someone says or does something as boosting their creativity. And their potential They share it and expand what they understand. Little Big Planet is a puzzle-based platform and dealing with challenges help develop critical impact to our work,” says charity spokesperson, online that makes your child uncomfortable, applications as an educational tool are attracting Using games like this, with an open mind, makes game published by Sony Computer Entertainment thinking – these are skillsets that will be required Mark Saville. “Erin is a girl with severe disabilities make sure they know they can report this. serious interest in the UK and abroad too – school more conversational. Many parents would Europe (SCEE). The point of the game is to navigate from our future workforce in engineering, science who is using an eye-gaze system to play music, not least from schools. rather see their kids creating cool structures and cute mascot Sackboy through all of the levels – and the creative industries,” she says. paint pictures and turn the pages of an onscreen 5 If in doubt, keep your child’s online fi guring out programming inMinecraft than you have the ability to create your own levels, It’s not a case of games making children book. Then there’s Rob, a young man who had a multiplayer experience to real-life friends Learning through play popping heads in Call of Duty.” too. And the Little Big Planet EDU project has smarter – more that using them in a classroom car accident that left him quadriplegic just days only. You can oversee their friends list, As educators look to combat student apathy Teacher Allen Heard, of Ysgol Bryn Elian school seen teachers use the game’s level creator for environment can change young people’s attitudes before he was due to go to York University last restrict their contacts through the by incorporating play into their lesson plans, in North Wales, has been using MinecraftEdu for subjects as varied as science, technology, towards what’s being taught, focus their attention year. Using the eye-gaze system that we’ve lent console’s parental controls, and even game-based learning is taking off and blockbuster around 18 months, and agrees with Koivisto. He engineering, art and maths. and open up other avenues of creativity. So before him, he can type and access the internet, and disable multiplayer entirely. titles are making an appearance in classrooms. noticed that pupils who play the game have, for Barlow’s Primary School in Merseyside has even you tell your child to switch their console off, or he’s just been offered an unconditional place The open-world phenomenon Minecraft, which example become much better at con ict used it to bring Anthony Horowitz’s bestselling put their tablet away, consider the good that the at Bristol University.” 20 21 Partnerships Responsible reporting
Digital skills for kids Vodafone and Moshi Monsters have teamed up to help kids discover more about staying safe online
he internet can be a fun place for online that you would never say in real life. young children keen to explore the The ‘Web Super Skills’ cards were T world and share their lives with created after Vodafone research uncovered family and friends. But it’s important that that half of children under ten years of age they know how to do this safely. And that’s think it’s OK to look at any photos or videos Protecting users from why Vodafone has partnered with the they fi nd online and more than a fi fth of hugely popular virtual world Moshi kids have done or seen things on the Monsters to produce a series of six free internet that have scared them. Vodafone’s distressing online content ‘Web Super Skills’ cards. research also found that 11% of British Drawing on advice from trusted experts, children surveyed would meet someone ou can t unsee hat you ve seen but you can report it says the the Moshi Monsters cards feature tips for in real life that they’d met online. staying safe online, in the form of activities One of the best ways to encourage a Susie Hargreaves The Internet Watch Foundation retribution if they report it, because imagery to make a report to the that children can learn from and enjoy. safe and rewarding online experience CEO, Internet (IWF) is funded by 116 companies they think they’ve done something relevant body. They teach kids about everything from safe for you and your child is to communicate Watch Foundation and organisations, including the illegal by accessing it. But the police As a parent, it’s not easy to downloading and sharing, to the difference with them about the risks and the best iwf.org.uk biggest internet service providers won’t knock at your door because respond when your child has seen bet een online and of ine friends They ways of staying secure. You can pick up and mobile phone operators. you’ve viewed criminal images you something upsetting. But knowing also cover how and when to report things your free Moshi Monsters cards in any We work hard, monitoring the never intended to see. The laws how to report illegal content and to adults and good online behaviour – for Vodafone store or download them at he internet is much like the internet to make sure that distressing relating to this are written to ensuring your child does too, reduces example, not saying mean things to people vodafone.co.uk/moshi of ine world. n the whole bits of content – such as online child encourage people who have the chances of it happening to others T it’s a positive experience for sexual abuse images and videos accidentally been exposed to this – and that can only be a good thing. everyone who uses it. Inevitably, – is removed quickly and that the however, there are some people who everyday person doesn’t have to Reporting to the IWF use it for illegal purposes and even see what we see. innocent browsing can lead curious We want all UK internet users, 1 Help your teenager get clued up on what to do if they accidentally young people to parts of the web that young and old, to be aware of the find child sexual abuse imagery online by telling them about the contain illegal or distressing content. ways they can report illegal content ebsite iwf.org.uk When that happens, it’s important to or images to the proper authorities. know what to do and where to People do innocently stumble 2 The reporting process is all online it s simple confidential turn. That’s where we come in. across child sexual abuse images and anonymous and videos while browsing – we get thousands of reports each year 3 eporting is the right thing to do The person ho comes across Here’s a novel way to This card shows What happens if your Teach your child about We’ve all seen headlines This one’s for mum and “It’s important that from people who do just that. But if the illegal content is also a victim and on t be uestioned by the learn about on- and children that mean child sees something stranger danger. A about large bills from dad – a card with details internet users don’t this happens, don’t just sign off and police or anyone about hat they have seen of ine friends The card words can be just as scary online? This card quarter of young in-app purchases. Use on setting up parental erase your browser history. Report it. encourages children hurtful online as encourages them to children in the UK have the ‘Ask First’ card controls fi nding just sign off when It’s tempting to try and wipe it from 4 t s perfectly normal to be upset by this type of content to draw their online of ine et your child talk about it with an admitted to sharing to teach kids about age specifi c advice for they encounter your memory – and your PC’s. But reassure your teenager that if it happens they can tal to you friends, so they can see to talk about how they adult, using key words personal details and downloading apps and kids and ways to report by alerting us to its existence, you’ll how easy it is to ‘hide feel when they in the wordsearch to images with people games and how they online concerns to disturbing content be helping to get the images 5 ou can find a list of other useful organisations for other types behind’ the internet. communicate online help them. they don’t know. can accidentally spend the authorities. and are aware of the removed permanently. of online content on the ebsite at as they draw smiles on money online. We know some young people who iwf.org.uk/resources/useful-links these Moshlings. ways to report it” stumble upon upsetting content fear 22 23 How kids grow up online
Generation internet Photos online before birth, a digital presence by the age of two, and your fi rst mobile before you re fi ve hat it really means to be a digital native
Today’s children are digital They’re spending more time Children have emotional concerns about using the Adults are laying down the from before they’re even born on mobile technology internet, while parents’ concerns are much more practical law, like time spent online Children worry about… Parents worry about…
23% 289 Mean things others have written Receiving spam of UK kids begin their The number of texts sent on smartphones 83% digital lives in-utero, with each week by 12- to 15-year-olds (or just Seeing things that are too old for them Viruses on the PC or laptop of four- to 11-year-olds parents uploading their over 41 every day) scans online Other people pretending to be them Unsolicited emails with questionable links have to follow rules when using a smartphone, tablet of four-year-olds in the Pressure to appear popular or attractive Seeing something nasty or offensive UK use tablets and or computer, including: 73% smartphones of children have a presence online by So, where is the internet? Kids think it’s... Which websites they can visit the age of two = 81% “Inside our computer” “Everywhere” “In outer space”
They get their gadgets early How long they can be online for www = 72%
alf of four and fi ve year olds thin it is Where they can use their devices 1 in 10 OK to loo at any = 41% children are gi en their fi rst mobile videos or photos before they re fi e years old on the internet More than three-quarters of % parents have spoken to their 74% 44 children about internet safety… of eight- to 11-year-olds have access but are they leaving it too late? 3 hile they re surfi ng …but, being savvy doesn’t
13; 13; to an iPad or other tablet at home 13% they’re also learning new skills... come with common sense Since 2012, the number of eight- to 11-year-olds 63% using tablets has grown from 13% to 44% Researchers say social media 19% delete their internet history of children get their fi rst smartphone enhances 21st-century skills 12% have amended settings to ut points of con ict before they start secondary school including communication, use their browser privacy mode still emerge creativity, collaboration, 6% uninstall fi lters designed to leadership abilities and stop certain websites being visited technological profi ciencies 70% By age eight, kids of parents argue with their kids about things begin to consume they put online that they wouldn’t want online media on …which means they still need protecting other people to know a regular basis Almost half of four- to of four- to 11-year-olds 3,500,000 11-year-olds agree that recognise that some Nearly a third of all some of their online friends online content is for parents feel they need of the UK’s under-eights now have a tablet might be pretending to be adults or might be rude Support more support when it Ofcom Children and Parents: Media Use and Attitudes Report, October 201 Statistics are taken from the Vodafone/YouGov study, 24-29 October 20 someone they are not comes to internet safety 24 25 Digital entrepreneurs
Jack & Finn Harries, 20 Who are they? Jackson founded YouTube channel JacksGap. Together the twins run Digital Native Studios Ltd. Claim to fame JacksGap is the 144th biggest YouTube channel in the world. It’s been viewed 50 million times. Words of wisdom “The secret is our honesty. It’s real. We’re not putting up the wall that TV and fi lm ha e. e re ust saying ey look connect with us!’ That’s the charm of it.”
Jack Harries created his YouTube channel, JacksGap, in 2011, as a way of documenting his gap year travels for his family and friends. The idea that he could connect with people, wherever he was in the world, was so appealing that he was keen to give it a go. Not that he believed anyone would watch… and, for four months, nobody did. All that changed with a guest appearance from “Yeah, man. his identical twin, Finn. When Jack’s mainly female fan base found out there was another brother just like him, subscribers went from zero to more than I’m a media mogul” two million in the space of just two years. oday the brothers are offi cial ou ube With a little risk and a lot of initiative, internet- Savannah Ali, partners and the revenue from their video blogs savvy teens and twentysomethings are forging Shanice George has seen them put university on hold – initially to keep travelling and now to concentrate on their their own career paths in the digital world & Sana Sodki, 16 fi lm enterprises. ffers are coming in says ack. Who are they? Campaigners behind ii y “It’s allowed us to make it our full-time job.” But Size’, a website educating young people to talk working 24/7 has its drawbacks. “We don’t have a Jamal Edwards, 23 to each other with respect. lot of time to do other things,” he said, in a recent Who is he? YouTube entrepreneur and Claim to fame Beating the BBC to win the interview in the Telegraph. “You’re putting your owner of SBTV. 2013 Nominet Award for making the internet personal life out there on the web, so every day Claim to fame SBTV is worth more than a safer place. you’re working, whether you want to or not. I’ll £8 million. Sir Richard Branson is a close friend. Words of wisdom “We think the reason the tweet or take a photograph every time I’m out Words of wisdom “The more hits you get, website works is because it was created by young – you never switch off.” the more ker-ching in advertisers’ eyes. We’ve people for young people, so we know how best Jordan Casey, 14 And that doesn’t look likely to change. They got the creative ideas, the platform and reach. to communicate with them.” Who is he? Self-taught computer programmer, have invitations to speak at conferences around That’s why brands come to us.” founder and CEO of Casey Games. the world and a social network based on Savannah, Shanice and Sana are three astute Claim to fame Jordan was Europe’s youngest JacksGap is already in the pipeline. It looks like When Jamal was 15, he started using his video year olds behind educational website ii y iOS app developer. He secured funding to develop that gap year project is going to run and run. camera to fi lm friends singing and rapping hat Size’, which is run by Peabody as part of their Big his fi rm fromJunior Dragon’s Den’s Peter Casey. started as amateur fi lm ma ing uic ly turned ottery funded pro ect Staying Safe. he phrase Words of wisdom “Coding is amazing because into something bigger as his YouTube channel, ii y Si e is a common chat up line with teen you can be so creative with it. You can imagine SBTV (the SB stands for SmokeyBarz, Jamal’s boys and roughly translates as you re my type . something and do anything with it. You can make rapping name) started to get hundreds of The name sets the tone for the site’s content, games, websites, even clocks or watches.” thousands of hits. After becoming a YouTube which includes a healthy dose of comedy, video offi cial partner on his third attempt meaning and relatable observations to educate young Jordan began programming aged just nine. A year he’s entitled to a share of the ad revenues his people about relationships and treating their later, he turned his talents to producing games videos ma e amal uit his day ob at Topman partners, and each other, with respect. and music, swiftly becoming one of the most to run SBTV full time. The girls have proved themselves fearless in subscribed YouTube video bloggers in Ireland. In Today he has 12 staff, a hub website and his producing content that tackles weighty topics 2012 he founded Casey Games, an independent own clothing line. In October 2013, Miroma such as sexting, cyberbullying and violent games company run by kids. The company Ventures bought a share in SBTV for an relationships. “We wanted to educate boys on has created four games to date, including the undisclosed sum. Jamal now has his sights set how they talk to girls and create a site that young successful Alien Ball vs Humans, for iPhone on con uering merica people would enjoy looking at, not something and Android. He recently launched a campaign “I started my business online because I felt they felt was being drilled into them by teachers called Make Coding Cool to promote coding for it was the most democratic space to start a and adults,” says Savannah. kids, and has his sights on launching The Kids in business. It helped keep my costs down and it Technology Awards in 2014. “I think of starting has enriched my life. I’ve been catapulted into a young as a head start,” says Casey. “In ten years, global community, making the world around me I’ll be 24 and I’ll already have 11 years of
Main image: Getty Images; Jordan Casey image: Juliamore de Boer accessible,” he says. experience working in this industry.” 26 27 Parental responsibility Online bullying Sticks and stones …are no longer a bully’s weapon of choice, says top mummy blogger Tara Cain. Today’s taunts are digital
ur children are digital natives. three young people in the UK is a victim of Co ordinator of the s nti ullying lliance. Tread carefully, Technology is part of their everyday cyberbullying. nd that of that number ead any anti bullying website and it lists the li es. nd the benefits it brings are have attempted suicide. same potential effects, including depression, O well documented – from developing destroyed confidence isolation self harming IT skills and providing a quick and easy way to What are the effects of cyberbullying? and a reduced sense of security. digital footprints 5 tips to research school projects, to allowing them to In the real world bullying was once confined to According to psychologist and author, Dr Terri consider communicate globally and access exciting the playground. In its new online form, Apter: “Some children are able to ignore online before posting sources of entertainment. cyberbullying can be carried out through social bullying, but most take it very personally, and are can last a lifetime But new tech has a darker side. “Trolls who media sites, texts, websites or instant messaging, haunted by these anonymous and vicious 1 Take advantage send abusive messages to anyone they take an and can present itself in upsetting or threatening expressions of ridicule and disdain. Not knowing It’s tempting to share family moments of privacy settings instant and often irrational dislike to are now as messages, rumours or embarrassing photos or the source, they may feel distrustful of anyone online, but how will your ‘future teen’ feel and make sure your established on the online scene as they once videos posted online. who might be – or is colluding with – the bully, pictures are only were in fairy tales says ane akefield C s Because children can access these channels and hence they withdraw from a wide circle of about that cute toddler shot? seen by family and technology reporter. the ictim can often feel there is no escape. friends. The combination of anonymity with friends. Remember Last year, the number of children contacting Cyberbullying increases isolation and impacts direct communication is highly unsettling.” that even if your Child ine about being bullied online rose by . on mental health more than other forms of my ouise Paul knows these feelings well. Vicki Shotbolt cool 15-year-old, he regards his privacy settings are The charity BeatBullying estimates that one in bullying,” explains Luke Roberts, National After a disagreement with a school friend, the CEO, The Parent Zone, chorister years as something he’d robust, once you’ve then year old faced a tirade of online hatred. theparentzone.co.uk rather not be reminded of. Who’d shared a photo it Her tormentors set up a Facebook group called have guessed? can be passed on. e ate my ouise. or all those people who Well truthfully, I would. But I didn’t hoped she was dead already . idden in a corner of my think about it. When my son was 2 Never share a I didn t belie e it at first. hen when I mother’s cupboard is a family eight, his teenage years felt like photo of your child realised it was true I was shocked my ouise Halbum showcasing some of another journey – one I wasn’t quite without their clothes says. I didn t want to talk to anyone. I cut myself the worst outfits of my teenage ready to make. on – even cute off from my family. I d lo ed school but started years. She knows better than to get But it is worth pausing for thought. toddler shots. to dread going. But then it followed me home. the album out. I’ve also made sure The intimate images and messages I d be worried someone would say something it’s tucked behind the one that we share and forget in a week or two 3 Before you post, while I was online. It invaded everywhere.” showcases my sister’s even greater will last a lifetime online. consider the fashion faux pas. In 2009, David DeVore posted a potential ‘teenage My son can’t use the same tactic. video of his young son still woozy after cringe factor’. I can share photos of him at the press a trip to the dentist. It went viral. “That of a button. And I’m not alone. was really the only time we thought, 4 Remember that According to research by print site ‘Maybe we should take it down’... not children read things Posterista, 94% of UK parents post realising, like we do now, that once it’s online and might not pictures of their children online, while out, it’s kind of out,” DeVore said in an understand them two-thirds only use Facebook to post interview with CNN. properly. An angry updates about their children or Five years on, you can still view his online note to a parenting issues. son’s reaction. So far, it’s been watched friend, partner or And it’s not just photos – more than 122 million times. even a teacher at apparently the worst thing I’ve done In an age when privacy is your child’s school to my son is share an audio recording becoming an outdated concept, could easily be read of him singing as a boy treble, which is it’s down to parents to decide where by your child. now his grandmother’s ringtone. As a they’re going to draw the line. Some 51% of the parents who use 5 Ask yourself: Facebook to post about their ‘Would I have been “51% of parents who children say they have thought happy if my mum had use Facebook to post about the embarrassment it could posted that for me?’ If cause in later life, and 66% said you don’t think you’d about their children they’d stop updates if their children have liked your mum Illustration: Peter Scott Peter Illustration: have thought about asked them to when they get older. or dad to share So consider this: how will you something, the the embarrassment advise your ‘future teenager’ on chances are your iStock Photo: it could cause in what’s appropriate to post if you’ve children won’t thank been posting embarrassing shots you for it either. later life” of them throughout their childhood? 28 29 Online bullying
7 ways to help Even after her cyberbully was made to take the one in 10 victims of cyberbullying will tell a worse. Instead, they should block the users confidential with ad ice on how to report bullying. What to do if your Facebook page down in front of the headteacher, parent or trusted adult of their abuse – so what sending the messages. childline.org.uk/Explore/Bullying/Pages/ your child if they’re there was no escape for Amy-Louise. “People can parents do to reduce the chances of their ne in fi e children think being bullied online online-bullying.aspx or call 0800 1111 child is the bully being bullied were still talking about it. I felt suicidal and told child being affected? is part of life. It doesn’t have to be that way. Young Young people who have never my mum I didn’t want to be here anymore. That David Elstone, headteacher at Hymers College people should always report anything abusive beatbullying.org offers advice for parents on bullied anyone in real life could be 1 Let them share their concerns really scared her, so she encouraged me to in Hull, thinks parents need to be educated about they see online to the site concerned. Flag it, how to speak to their child if they are being drawn into cyberbullying because and what they want to happen. contact ChildLine. I found talking to them easier what is happening in the digital space. “A huge report it, and talk to someone about it.” bullied online, and how to report abusive content they think they are anonymous. They than speaking to someone I knew. I was able to go number of parents just don’t understand today’s on social networks. may do or say things they wouldn’t 2 Take their concerns seriously, at my own pace. They gave me advice on how to digital world. And because [of that], they can’t Resources dream of doing face-to-face, because while trying to remain calm. get through it and helped me speak to my family teach their kids how to use it appropriately.” The Diana Award runs a national anti-bullying facebook.com/safety/bullying Tips to help they’re hiding behind a screen. again too. I’m at college now and am coming to Anthony Smythe, Managing Director of programme, training young people to stay safe those affected by bullying stand up for each other. They might succumb to peer 3 Try not to attribute blame, even terms with what happened. But I know ChildLine BeatBullying, says parents must explain to on and of ine. diana-award.org.uk/news- pressure and pass on a bullying if your child has done something are always there if I need them,” Amy-Louise says. children how to enjoy the internet safely. events/stay-safe-in-cyberspace anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk is a coalition of email or join in a conversation on you advised them not to. “We found that more than a quarter of 12- to organisations and individuals that works together a social media site without thinking Tackling the taunters 16-year-olds had witnessed bullying online, but NSPCC has trained counsellors available alongside to stop bullying. It supports a network of schools of the consequences. 4 Report and take action to According to statistics, girls are twice as likely only half did something about it.” He advises advice pages for parents. nspcc.org.uk/ and colleges and coordinates Anti-Bullying Week. And, like all bullies, cyberbullies rely address the cyberbullying. Save as boys to fall victim to or to perpetrate children being bullied online, to “save and print onlinesafety or call free on 0808 800 5000 on others to endorse their behaviour, any messages as proof, take cyberbullying. Research also shows that those out bullying messages or pictures they receive, Vodafone Guardian can help with bullying as it join in or simply not challenge them. screenshots of private messages with special needs, in receipt of school meals noting dates and times. They should never ChildLine allows children to email, chat online or lets you reject messages from particular numbers Cyberbullying can also be aimed – and don’t delete anything. or from minority groups are at risk too. But only respond or retaliate, as this can make things post to its message boards. It’s free, private and (see page 4 for details). at adults they want to ridicule or upset – for example, teachers. 5 Take action to prevent further bullying: remove the bully from If you think your child friends lists set your child s profile could be bullying someone to private, if it isn’t already, and 1 Talk to them openly about block any offending phone numbers. what they are doing and why it is unacceptable. 6 If the bully is someone at school, talk to a teacher or the 2 Listen to what they say – they may headteacher and find out hat genuinely not understand the effect their anti-bullying policy is. they are having on someone else or that what they are doing is bullying. 7 Remain sensitive to your child’s feelings. So, for instance, don’t 3 Try to find out why they started indefinitely ban their use of all bullying someone in the first place. internet-enabled devices. They may be trying to impress a new group of friends or may themselves Please note: much of the advice be the victim of bullying. here was created in consultation with the NSPCC Participation Unit, 4 Be proactive and talk to their speaking directly with children teacher if necessary – assure the and young people about how school you are working with them to tackle cyberbullying. to prevent it from happening again.
5 If someone accuses your child of cyberbullying, listen to their concerns. our first reaction may be to defend your child, but you must remain calm, promise to speak to your child, and get back to them straight away.
6 If they have been bullying someone, accept that your child can make mistakes take action and find a way to move on. Ignoring the problem will mean your child is likely to bully again.
7 Implement consequences by Photo: Shutterstock limiting internet time or taking their device away. Explain what you expect of them in order to regain your trust and the use of their device.
30 31 Internet security Digital detox Too much of Better safe than sorry a good thing? et ise teens can access the latest tune or film at the clic of a 5 ways to keep button. But that ‘free’ content can bring unwelcome added extras Most families balance online and of ine activities ut hat kids’ screen-time do you do if your child shows signs of screen addiction? Tony Neate in check CEO, Get Safe Online 1 Pay attention to how much getsafeonline.org ecent studies have revealed internet. We need to be mindful of parents’ behaviour can be highly time your child spends online. that, by the age of seven, the that and set boundaries from the in uential The issue isn t ust about Is it increasing rapidly or Raverage British child will have beginning of life, really.” reducing children’s access. Adults interfering with their of ine life spent the equivalent of a whole year So how can you tell if your child need to be modelling a healthy erhaps in 40 years, this “If you’re worried downloading files from the web of his or her life in front of a screen, is heading towards addiction? Dr balance and stop themselves 2 Recognise any underlying generation of children – and discuss these with them. 7 ways to help and that one in three toddlers has Graham and his team start by asking constantly checking their devices problems that may be supporting Pdigital natives from the year about striking a Parents could even direct their kids keep your kids used a smartphone or tablet before the child how much internet use for emails and texts n fact a good internet addiction. Is your child dot – will instinctively teach their kids balance between to sites including FindAnyFilm.com they can talk. affects the rest of their life, how way of moving forward is for feeling left out at school or going how to stay safe online. Today, though, – where users can watch, stream safe online They’re striking statistics which much they crave it, and if they deny everyone in the family to take a through distress in another area parents can feel intimidated by the safeguarding and or buy films legally. 1 Ask your child to show you show how much technology is part that they are using it or underplay break from technology for one or of their life hey could be using complex, fast-moving digital world. lock-down, apply Having a frank, helpful chat their favourite websites, and of children’s lives. Few of them can how long they spend online. two days a week. It creates a feeling the internet to cope. All too often, a nasty new virus might not be a cure-all, though. revisit them in your own time. comprehend a world without the Their responses to these questions of fairness that helps with achieving will spread like wildfire across the the same rules you In which case, it’s worth keeping Explore the space and find out internet, or a time when all phones help Dr Graham identify the level of a good balance.” 3 Modify the time your child internet, another peer-to-peer (P2P) would in real life” an eye out for parental security how to set up safety features. could do was make calls. difficulty the person has being of ine nstead of texting each other tal spends online step by step. Make file sharing network will pop up or a software that allows you to review And while, for most, activities “Some young people are wedded to instead. Rather than watching a commitment to turn off the fraudulent ‘phishing’ scam will dupe email attachments from an unknown your child’s downloads. If you’re 2 To spot spam, look out for such as school, socialising and their consoles because online they YouTube, have quality family time. computer, tablet or smartphone the unsuspecting into giving away sender, and not downloading apps or worried about striking a balance messages with poor spelling family meals ensure they spend time can achieve considerable success in Go out or do a physical activity you at the same time each night, or set their valuable personal details. data files from an untrusted source. between safeguarding and lock- and grammar, and requests to of ine in extreme cases children games and gain status, yet struggle to all enjoy. Some ‘withdrawal limits on using electronic devices And burying your head in the Of course, it’s implausible to think down, apply the same rules you forward an email to multiple denied online access can display leave the house, even to go to the symptoms of going of ine are before chores are completed. sand, hoping nothing bad will you can (or even should) constantly would in real life. You wouldn’t let people. Always have your behaviour similar to a gambling corner shop he explains o e reduced by having something to do, happen, isn’t the answer. Parents watch what your child does online – your child go to the park alone spam filter s itched on to addict who can’t place a bet. have to focus on helping them to especially if it involves all your 4 rganise of ine acti ities and need to do a bit of homework to at some point they’ll probably visit at a very young age. But as they minimise the risks. Child psychiatrist Dr Richard accomplish very ordinary things, senses. You may end up enjoying opportunities to balance out time understand the ways in which a risky site, open an unsolicited email get older, you may go with them raham founder of the s first hich builds confidence each other’s company, and at the in front of a screen. computers, phones and other and download something dodgy. and sit on a bench some way off. 3 Phishing emails make offers dedicated Technology Addiction But how? Cold turkey is hard when end of the detox you ll have devices can be compromised, And most times you won’t even that seem too good to be Service for Young People, at Capio technology is such an integral part of something ‘real’ to tweet about. 5 Get support from partners and and how to prevent this. know your computer has been Don’t forget smartphones true, or have a strong sense of ightingale ospital has first hand our daily lives. For the most addicted other family members. he more invaded. So parents need to ensure A common mistake is to protect urgency. If an organisation you experience of the effect that of Dr Graham’s patients, however, a Resources relationships your child has in Things to watch out for they have up-to-date security a home computer, but not mobile trust is requesting personal excessive use of digital technology ee long digital detox is prescribed Tavistock and Portman NHS Trust real life, the less they will need Computer viruses include Trojans software on all their devices. Trusted devices, which kids are increasingly information, don’t click on any can have on families. n tandem ith diet and exercise this tavistockandportman.nhs.uk/ to turn to the internet for social (malicious code contained within a solutions from providers such as using to access the internet. Gadgets links – go direct to their website For children displaying addictive seems to improve the mood,” he says. helpforadolescents interaction. Find common seemingly harmless programme), Kaspersky or Symantec can both that run on Microsoft or Android are to make sure it’s genuine. traits, having internet access takes To create a healthier online/ YoungMinds interest groups such as a sports spyware (software that covertly prevent infection and let you scan more vulnerable than Apple phones over to such a degree that even of ine balance Dr raham suggests youngminds.org.uk team, music class or club. sends your hard drive data to for anything suspect. or tablets powered by iOS, and the 4 Protect all your devices with essential needs such as eating or switching tech off at a set time each another person or reveals your danger of being hacked via rogue anti-virus software and make sleeping are replaced by their desire evening or for one day a week. And online acti ity including surfing That copyright chat apps is greater. Fortunately, there sure you regularly install updates to be online. that doesn’t just apply to your kid’s and payments), ransomware (which When it comes to downloading, are free apps you can download that to any programs or apps. “There are a couple of cases that smartphone s Dr raham explains ‘locks’ your computer until you’ve meanwhile, most youngsters are include effecti e filters and firewalls I have been involved in where iStock Image imited roup edia elegraph oods udith paid a ransom), malware (software using P P file sharing sites that are – such as Avira or Avast – as well as 5 Do not open attachments parents tried to restrict their designed to damage your machine) free and typically illegal – they plenty of premium, paid-for options. from any unknown sources. teenager’s access to devices and or adware (software that bombards don’t see the consequences of this (Vodafone offers its customers were met with such desperate and you with unwanted advertisements). activity in the same way they’d view Vodafone Protect, which includes 6 Never open or forward a violent reactions that the police had And there are three main ways walking into a shop and stealing a anti-virus software. Find out more suspicious looking email, or to be called,” says Dr Graham. to ‘contract’ these viruses: opening DVD. In a survey by the British Board at vdfn.co/protect). respond to a social media nd it s not ust game obsessed harmful email attachments from of ilm Classification a third of message from someone teens that he’s treated. His youngest strangers or spambots; downloading 11- to 12-year-olds admitted they Resources you don’t know. patient so far is a girl of four who was files from the internet or isiting had recently downloaded or To report online fraud so obsessed with playing on her malicious websites. streamed a film from a pirate site. actionfraud.police.uk 7 Teach children not to use an parents i ad for three to four hour Unfortunately, however, there’s Communication is part of the For advice on staying safe online unsecured Wi-Fi hotspot when stretches that they needed advice no definiti e guide to spotting what answer. Parents should be aware getsafeonline.org out and about, especially if on how to manage her behaviour. As is a potential risk to your computer of the copyright laws their children For tips on protecting your home what they are doing is personal Dr Graham acknowledges: “Younger and what isn’t. But there are things could be falling foul of – together or business from cybercrime or private. and younger children are more you can do – such as never opening with the other consequences of cyberstreetwise.com engaged with technology and the
32 33 Recognising risks
“Young people need to understand that there are some areas – such as sex – that are not safe to talk about online” Catfish: a person who pretends to be somebody else on social media
Stranger danger Online grooming is rare, but it does happen. Louise Chunn, founder of welldoing.org, explores how to guard against and report suspect behaviour
o matter how hard you try, l s fi e e with friends. Taking them away is as a parent you can struggle It works like this: abusers contact li ely to bac fire 3 quick tips Nev Schulman and Max Joseph, makers of MTV’s docudrama, Nto keep up with the lightning young people online, sometimes Jonathan Baggaley, Head of fil s atfish share their tips on ho to spot a fa e online profile speed of technological change – disguising their identity, and try Education at CEOP, advises that A resource explaining online whether it’s the feeling that you to entice them to swap images or parents seek to guide their children. stranger danger to school Check Facebook pages talking to online seems to live an have to change your gadgets with communicate about sex online. “Young people need to understand children and young adults. Your If you’ve met a person online, extravagant lifestyle with private ever-increasing frequency or, more They might be using social media, that there are some areas – such as child may already have watched look at their Facebook page and jets and famous friends, that’s an critically, that your children know in a chatroom or in a multiplayer sex – that are not safe to talk about one of these C P films at school see how real they seem. Do they alarm bell right there. much more than you do. How can game, but often they will try to lure online. They need to know what is – they’re a great way to start know the people posting on their you hope to protect them from the young person somewhere appropriate and what is not. Parents a conversation about what can wall? Or do they seem to be …and too much drama what you may not even understand? more private. If they do manage need to have a conversation with go wrong online. Find them at internet acquaintances? Check It’s a warning sign if the person According to recent intelligence to get a sexualised image from a their children to agree the limits thinkuknow.co.uk/parents how many friends they have. A you’re talking to has a lot of from the National Crime Agency’s child, they will use it to blackmail of sensible behaviour.” few friends (under 100) means intense drama in their life – for Child Exploitation and Online the child into further sexual acts Are you an adoptive parent? it s either a new profile or a fake example, car crashes, terminal Protection (CEOP) Command, the or even self-harm captured on Notice the warning signs Many adopted children and one. An excessive number of diseases and deaths in the family. methods paedophiles now use webcam. And if the child won’t Children don’t always understand young people encounter friends is a red ag too. ften the catfish will use tragic to make contact with children co-operate? Then they threaten that people can pretend to be negative experiences in situations as a way to elicit have changed from when most of to send the original image to the who they’re not online. They childhood that can make them Investigate their photos sympathy and prevent the us were young. Once, those who child’s friends and family. should also be warned against more vulnerable to risks online. Has the person posted lots of other person from asking sought to sexually exploit children Research by EU Kids Online anyone who, from the beginning, Recognise the added dangers photos of themselves? If they too many questions. would take a slow, tactical approach shows that just under a third of is excessively attentive and and talk to your child. have, are the people in the – say, entering a profession where children in the UK have had contact attering especially about their pictures tagged? If so, and you Ask to live chat via webcam children were encouraged to trust online with people they hadn’t met appearance and ‘sexiness’. Report inappropriate follow the tag, does it lead to he biggest red ag is if the adults, such as teaching or social before. CEOP is also getting around “Children being groomed by contact profiles for people who seem person you’re talking to is work. Now it’s far more immediate 1,600 reports a month, as extortion online predators often undergo Let your child know that it real? If their pictures aren’t reluctant to live chat via webcam, and technology makes that possible. is becoming more common. This subtle behavioural changes,” can be easy to get into trouble tagged, the person probably FaceTime, Skype or Google doesn’t mean that the internet says Baggaley. “They may online and you’re there to doesn’t know the other Hangout. Most computers, is inherently dangerous for your become secretive about who they help. If they’ve experienced individuals – or it’s not them in the laptops and phones have cameras children, but it does mean that are talking to and where they inappropriate contact, report photos. If their photos seem to be built in. If the person you’re talking you ought to take the situation conduct their online conversations. it using the red ClickCEOP all professional or publicity shots, to claims they don’t have a seriously. You may not have the In the real world we treat strangers button at ceop.police.uk/ they could be fake. Ask for proof. webcam suggest they find one. technical know-how to stop such with caution. Similar care should safety-centre If you’ve met a person online, ask If they won’t prove they are who people in their tracks, but you be given to your child’s new him or her to take a photo holding they say, they’re not that person. can arm your children with the online ‘friends’.” up something specific like a daily necessary s ills for sniffing out newspaper or driver’s licence. If If it seems too good to suspect behaviour. Remember to communicate they won’t do this, it’s suspicious. be true, it probably is Show an interest in what your children Bottom line: do your research Agree the limits do online, who their friends are and Beware of extravagance… and use common sense. Google Removing all digital devices is not what sites they visit. Young people Keep an eye out for anyone the person – be persistent and an option. For teens and tweens, can see things in extremes, but even with a super glamorous career. search for at least 30 minutes. phones and computers signal in serious circumstances, with help Catfishes lo e to say they re Make them earn trust before independence and, most from the police, it is never too late, models. If the person you’re revealing too much.
Illustrations: Davey Robin importantly, keep them in contact and the situation is never hopeless. 34 35 In-app purchases How to...
Set up The real cost smartphone of irtual coins controls The ffice of air Trading is urging developers to ta e action to ensure ids don t Smartphones are a big part of your run up big bills from in-app purchasing. And, it says, parents need to act too child’s increased independence. Here’s “ ou’ve run out of virtual Similarly, eight-year-old Lily Neale in-game currency and real money. how to keep on top of their mobile lives coins. You can buy more from Somerset unknowingly spent The resulting Children’s Online Games 3 ways to avoid Y now!” It’s a familiar offer for £4,000 playing Campus Life, My report concludes that the app-based bill shock from anyone who enjoys playing games Horse, Hay Day and Smurfs’ Village games industry “needs to do more to on their tablet or smartphone. But on her dad’s iPad – all games aimed protect children”. in-app purchases gaming apps that encourage users at children under 10. The money was s a result of the report s findings 1 Try it yourself to purchase costly added extras are eventually refunded to Lily’s father. the OFT has ordered gaming app In-app purchases aren’t bad in coming under fire from consumer But many parents end up taking the developers to clean up their act, themselves, as long as they’re iOS groups, who say this sales tactic hit and paying a significant amount and if they continued to engage in used responsibly and under leaves users, and kids in particular, for a few minutes of child’s play. potentially unethical commercial the full control of parents. Enabling restrictions Content types Settings and accounts Manage your child’s account vulnerable to unexpected costs. practices, it will take action. Whenever you’re downloading a You can enable Restrictions, also ou can prevent access to specifi c You can prevent changes to If your child is over 13 or has an “Five-year-old However, the OFT also urged free game for your children, it’s known as parental controls, on content types including Ratings settings and accounts, including account through the Apple ID for Bills you didn’t bank on parents and carers to protect their a good idea to play it yourself iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. (select the country in the ratings Accounts, Find My Friends, Students programme, you may In-app purchases (IAPs) are a big Danny Kitchen ran children and their bank account. first to understand ho in app section to automatically apply the Cellular Data Use, Background want to explore the possibility win for game developers, who are up a bill of £1,700 Chief Executive, Clive Maxwell, said, purchasing is used, and whether Restrictions stop you from using appropriate content ratings for App Refresh, and Volume Limit. of allowing him or her to make reacting to our increasing reluctance “Our advice is that parents check you’re comfortable with it. specifi c features and applications that region), Music and Podcasts, purchases from iTunes using iTunes to pay for apps upfront. But pricey on his parents’ iPad their device settings, play their automatically block access to adult Movies, TV shows, Books, Apps, Siri, Game Center Gifts or a monthly allowance. IAPs mean young players can in just 10 minutes child’s games themselves and read 2 Set a password websites or only allow access to a Websites, and the time necessary You can restrict features within unwittingly rack up huge sums on the game’s description online. Both iOS and Android devices specifi c set of permitted ebsites before a password is required to Game Center, including Multiplayer games where spending is charged buying costly add- Parents will also be encouraged to let you force a password to be purchase content. Games and Adding Friends. against a parent’s bank account. In ons from the game report concerns to Citizens Advice.” entered before purchases can Tap Settings > General > Enable the current marketplace, for example, be made on the device. Don’t Restrictions and enter a passcode. Privacy settings s fi le more than 50% of the online games Zombies vs Ninja” Creating standard practices share this password with your You can use the passcode to You can prevent changes to You can also turn on or enforce sold in the are ad ertised as free Many app developers welcome children – a tip that may sound change your settings or turn off privacy settings, including Location estrictions using a profi le but carry hidden costs. OFT urges fair play discussions on setting commercial obvious, but which many Restrictions. If you lose or forget Services, Contacts, Calendars, (typically installed when using the And some of the most popular Headlines such as the one above standards and the OFT’s recognition parents don’t follow. And never your Restrictions passcode, you Reminders, Photos, Bluetooth device for business or education free games for children come with played their part in the ffice of that parents, as well as the industry, check the ‘Remember Me’ will need to perform a factory Sharing, Microphone, Twitter, purposes). Check for installed the option to buy additional content, Fair Trading (OFT) carrying out a have a part to play in protecting button, because it will override restore to remove it. Facebook, and Advertising. profi les in ettings eneral such as virtual currency, extra fi e month in estigation looking at children from the excesses of IAPs. the need for a password. rofi les or additional information levels and upgraded features. 38 web and mobile apps likely to For many developers, the use Using restrictions contact the administrator or the One potentially expensive example appeal to children. It found some of IAPs is essential to help fund 3 Give your kids digital You can restrict access to person ho installed the profi le is the My Little Pony app, a game included “potentially unfair and research and development of new pocket money applications and features, including To learn more about iOS software, aimed at six- to nine-year-old girls, aggressive commercial practices” games to bring to market. “Done Talk to your children about in- Safari, Camera (also disables see the user manual. which offers users the chance to and children’s “inexperience, responsibly, micro-transaction- app purchases, and encourage FaceTime), iTunes Store, iBooks purchase a irtual mountain of vulnerability and credulity” were based business models give choice them to take a responsible Store, Installing Apps, Deleting gems’ for a real-life £69.99. being exploited by the app creators. and value for both players and attitude towards them. As they Apps, In-App Purchases, Siri, Such temptations can prove The OFT said it was particularly businesses,” Dr Jo Twist, Chief grow older, consider giving AirDrop, and CarPlay. irresistible to a child caught up in concerned about games which imply Executive of the British games them ‘digital’ pocket money in playing to win. ast year fi e year old the player would somehow be letting industry body kie told the the form of an iTunes or Google
anny itchen from ristol ran up a down other players or characters if Guardian. “Flexibility for companies Play gift card – they can spend iStock Photo: bill of £1,700 on his parents’ iPad in they did not obtain something by to operate different business within limits, and may learn just 10 minutes buying costly add-ons making a purchase – and about models is crucial, and it is good about budgeting too. from the game Zombies vs Ninja. blurring the distinction between to see the OFT recognise this.” 36 37 How to...
Step 2
® Windows Phone Step 4 BlackBerry
Get a Microsoft account Allow app and game downloads 4 To add your child, hit ‘Go’. When Change app download settings Set up Kid’s Corner These instructions are for 6 steps to enable 5 You can now select from a series If your child has a Windows Phone 1 Set up My Family – a feature that prompted, enter their Microsoft 1 On the My Family homepage, If your child is too young to have a BlackBerry smartphones running Parental Controls of options to allow or limit the use mobile, they’ll need a Microsoft lets you turn on app and game account email address and password. click ‘Change Settings’ next to your smartphone, but loves playing with the BlackBerry 10 operating 1 On the homescreen, click of services such as Phone Calls account to use it. If they use Xbox downloads for your child’s phone. 5 On the My Family homepage, child’s name. your Windows Phone mobile, you system or later. ‘Settings’. and Text Messages, Camera and Live, Outlook, Windows 8 or You can also set the game ratings click ‘Fix It’ next to the child’s name 2 From here you can block your child can set up a protected Kid’s Corner. 2 Next select ‘Security and Privacy’. Video or the BlackBerry World OneDrive, they may already have they can access. and follow the steps. Accept the from downloading apps and games. This feature is like having a phone 3 Click ‘Parental Controls’ and then store. Your options will be saved an account and can sign in with that. 2 Go to the Windows Phone website, Windows Phone Store terms of You can also decide if they only within a phone, and gives your child turn the app to ‘On’. automatically. To create a Microsoft account, and hover over the ‘Explore’ option. use and your child will be able to download free apps, or both free access only to the apps and features 4 Next, follow the prompt to set up 6 You can change the Parental your child needs to follow the set From the dropdown that appears, download apps. and paid-for. you choose for them. You can let your parental controls password. Controls settings by taking steps one up instructions on their phone, or access My Family and sign in using 6 To let your child download Xbox 3 To select the most mature game them take pictures, play games, to three and entering your password. visit live.com. Once they get to the your Microsoft account. games, go to Xbox.com. Sign in rating you want your child to be able watch videos, listen to music and ‘Keep Your Life in Sync’ page, select 3 On the My Family page, click ‘Get on their account and follow the to browse or download, turn on the personalise their Start screen, safe in ‘Create One’ to set up a Microsoft Started’. If you’ve used My Family instructions to accept the Xbox ame ating fi lter. the knowledge that they’re playing account. You will also need an before, you may not see this option, Terms of Use. If you’ve already 4 Click ‘Change Rating’ to go to the Angry Birds, not texting your boss. account to monitor their settings. in which case select ‘Add a Kid’. done this via an Xbox console, Microsoft Family Safety website. 1 At the ‘Start’ menu, tap ‘Kid’s you won’t need to repeat it. Corner’, then ‘Next’. 2 To add content, tap ‘Games’, ‘Music’, ‘Videos’ or ‘Apps’ and select the items you want them Remember to be able to view. 3 Tap ‘Done’, then ‘Next’, and select BlackBerry parental ‘Finish’ to save. controls are also available 4 Set a passcode for your phone so for BlackBerry OS 7.1. To that your child can’t access your upgrade your software, visit: homepage. To do this, go to ‘Settings’, uk.blackberry.com/ and ‘Lock Screen’. Turn on ‘Password’, services/blackberry7 then enter text into the ‘New Password’ box. Tap ‘Done’ to save. If your child’s BlackBerry smartphone doesn’t have You can get to the Kid’s Corner set up parental controls built in to the at any time from the ‘Settings’ page. Settings menu, download the Access the feature by swiping left to app on BlackBerry World at its lock screen then icking up. appworld.blackberry.com Create a Microsoft account Step 6 Step 2 Step 2 Step 3 38 39 How to... How to…
Vodafone parental controls All the UK mobile operators sell their phones with parental control fi lters set to n . If your child has a phone pre iously owned by an adult it would be worth checking that the parental controls are still on. isit the website of your network operator for details. or more information and to turn on Content Control go to the y Tame your ccount section of the odafone website: vodafone.co.uk teen’s mobile spend With their appetite for texting and downloads, teens’ mobile costs aunch oogle s Play Store can soar. Here are a few suggestions for keeping them in check Android Pay monthly vs Pay as you go older children to think before they bill shocks. See page 36 for more Control the type of apps Set a password for Prevent apps from he fi rst decision you ll ha e to make click. ou may want to go e en ad ice on in app purchasing. ow odafone downloaded to the phone app purchases revealing your location is which type of contract to choose further and disable mobile payments helps its customers 1 irst click on oogle s Play Store ndroid s default setting re uires 1 Click on the applications icon at Pay monthly or Pay as you go Pay completely your network pro ider Travel and data roaming charges app to launch it. It s pre installed on you to enter a password before the bottom right of your phone s How to enable monthly customers must be o er can help you with this. If that seems rips abroad can mean eye watering Use the My Vodafone app to all ndroid phones. downloading an app. o change this home screen. Content Control so if that s the route you prefer extreme some companies set limits charges when you return unless you keep track of your account. 2 In the top right hand corner of the go to the ser Controls menu and 2 rom the Settings menu choose og in to your account or you ll ha e to set up the contract per transaction or month to pre ent manage your mobile use carefully. You can check your usage or screen there are three small blocks click on e uire password for ocation and Security . register for an account on the on your child s behalf and you ll o erspending. lternati ely you hough new regulations will limit your price plan information, sitting on top of each other. Click on purchases . ou ll get three options 3 Choose ff to pre ent apps odafone website. ere you can be liable for any charges. can re uest that receipts for apps data roaming charges from uly fi nd free i i and access them to re eal a drop down menu for when a password is needed from re ealing your location. manage your tariff plan extras Choose a tariff that re ects their are emailed to you so you can it will still cost more to use Vodafone support. then choose Settings . to buy apps or all purchases top up on Pay as you go call usage so you re not paying more monitor purchases. your mobile abroad and calls 3 ow under the ser Controls through oogle Play on this de ice barring and Content Control. than you need to or o er the odds texts and data use won t be co ered Pay monthly customers can menu you ll fi nd an option for ery minutes and e er . ou can fi nd the Content Control for usage abo e monthly allowances. Premium services by your normal price plan. text 44555 to receive a free Content iltering . his lets you setting under y Settings . nd go through monthly bills with It s not ust mobile payments that he easiest way to pre ent charges text showing their usage choose a maturity le el for the apps If the Content Control setting your child so they understand can rack up charges premium rate from sky rocketing is to switch off information, and register for you ll be able to download. hey re is off you can put it on. his where the money is being spent. numbers apps games and content data roaming in your settings before free online itemised bills. rated for eryone ow aturity setting will change the next Pay as you go plan where calls could carry charges that fall you tra el. If you want to go further Itemised paper bills carry edium aturity igh aturity or time the handset or SI is and texts are paid for in ad ance outside your price plan. you could switch off all mobile data. a small additional charge. Show ll pps . nce you e made used to access the internet. will allow children greater control Premium rate numbers generally ake sure children understand the your choice only apps you e o er their mobile spending. begin with or charges and that they ll incur costs With Vodafone EuroTraveller, deemed appropriate can be Remember… op ups or credit could be gi en . ut e en calls to e en for recei ing calls and texts. Pay monthly customers can downloaded to the phone. ou can also change and manage instead of pocket money and can or numbers can cost more efore you tra el check whether also use their UK price plan in the settings ia Customer Care or be purchased easily ia the mobile from a mobile. o check costs use the your network pro ider offers a our Europe Zone for just £3 at a odafone shop. lso bear pro ider or while out and about. PhonepayPlus umber Checker at roaming package. hese are often a day, on top of the usual in mind that parental controls phonepayplus.org.uk. more cost effecti e than paying the monthly charge. offered by the mobile networks Mobile payments Children can also be tempted to regular charges for o erseas use will only be acti e when browsing It s easy to buy products or ser ices pay extra for items such as food ust ensure you know what s included. Consider Vodafone’s Red Sharer ia the mobile network. hen from a mobile de ice. each your treasure or weapons in a game plan, which lets families share the phone uses i i the phone kids to think before they buy. ook especially when the charges seem Resources one data allowance across will pick up the settings from out for the Payforit trust mark low and they downloaded the original isit phonepayplus.org.uk, multiple devices each month. the i i network. odafone companies signed up for this will app or game for free. If a child is using which regulates premium rate Content Control only works when clearly explain any charges and send your credit card or Pay monthly ser ices in the . your child is using the odafone you a receipt ia text message. mobile account the only limit that payforit.org is the simple and safe network and not on i i. Setting a password for purchasing applies is your own credit limit. e way to buy content and charge it to Select maturity le els eep your location secret and downloading apps will encourage sure to set a password to a oid nasty your phone bill. 40 41 How to...
Control what Manage your kids find online child’s playtime As they get older, your children will be doing Today, video games are as much a part internet research to help with homework. Here’s of growing up as TV. Here are a few tips to how to keep adult content out of search results take charge of what your kids can access
Step 1 Xbox 360 Wii PlayStation 3
To set up Google SafeSearch Set a Console Safety Passcode Choose an age rating Restrict game content 1 Go to google.co.uk and type Remember… 1 Go to ‘Settings’ and select ‘Family’. 1 From the Wii menu screen go to ‘Wii Options’ 1 Go to ‘Settings’ then scroll to ‘Security Settings’. a keyword in to the search box. 1 Google SafeSearch activates 2 Set ‘Console Safety’ to ‘On’ and you’ll be asked then ‘Wii Settings’. 2 The default password is 0000 but you can Click ‘Search’ and the gear icon strict fi ltering o ever if some to enter a four-digit passcode via the controller. 2 Click the blue arrow on the right to access ‘Wii change this under the ‘Change Password’ option will appear on the top right-hand adult content sites or explicit 3 Save and exit. System Settings 2’. by following the on-screen instructions. corner of the page. Click on the pictures slip through the net 3 Select ‘Parental Controls’ then ‘Yes’ to activate. 3 Select ‘Parental Controls’; enter your password. gear icon, then on ‘Search Settings’ then you can report it to Google Restrict games 4 You’ll need to set a four-digit PIN, and a security 4 You can now choose the game content you’re from the drop-down menu. at google.com/webmasters/ 1 Go to ‘Settings’, then select ‘Family’. question. Follow the prompts and click ‘OK’. comfortable letting your family access. The tools/safesearch 2 Click ‘Ratings and Content’. 5 Go to ‘Game Settings’ and ‘PIN’ and choose lower the number, the stricter the settings: 2 On the ‘Search Settings’ page, 2 To lock SafeSearch, you need 3 Set the game rating of your choice: Early ‘Highest Game Setting Allowed’. 2 – Early Childhood tick the ‘Filter explicit results’ box, a Google account. If you don’t Childhood, Everyone, Everyone 10+, Teen, 6 Use the up and down arrows to the right of the 3 – Everyone then click ‘Save’ at the bottom lock your settings, they will stay Mature, Adults Only. screen to choose which age rating you want for 4 – Everyone 10 and up of the page. If you have a Google in place but can be changed by 4 Save and exit. your Wii without needing a PIN. 5 – Teen account, you can lock SafeSearch anyone using the computer. 7 Select then Confi rm to sa e your settings. 9 – Mature on your family’s computer so that 3 If you use more than one Set a Family Timer Your Wii will now only play games of the rating you 10 – Adults Only no one except you can change browser, you will need to set 1 Go to ‘Settings’ then select ‘Family’. have set, and anything higher will require the PIN. 5 From ‘Parental Controls’ you can also block the settings. To do this, click on Google SafeSearch on each one. 2 Set ‘Console Safety’ to ‘On’ and enter access to online play by toggling ‘Internet ‘Lock SafeSearch’. Likewise, if you have different Step 2 your passcode. Browser Start Control’ to ‘On’. user profi les for everyone ho 3 Toggle ‘Family Timer’ to ‘Daily’ or ‘Weekly’. 3 When SafeSearch is locked in uses your family computer, 4 Use the left stick to select a time period. Parents can also create sub-accounts for place, you’ll see a set of coloured you’ll need to set up SafeSearch 5 Select ‘Continue’, then save and exit. younger users, which gives them the option to balls at the top right-hand corner for each of them. 6 The console warns players when they’re block access to features such as web browsing. of all search pages. If you can’t see coming to the end of their allowed time. them, SafeSearch is not locked. For more information on Google’s family safety Customise Xbox Live online safety policies and features, go to Step 3 and privacy settings google.com/goodtoknow/ 1 Go to ‘Settings’, then select ‘Family’. familysafety 2 Select the account you want to manage,
then click ‘Online Safety’. Image: Disney/Pixar 3 Choose ‘Change Settings’ to customise the features your child can use. This includes friend requests, video communications and web browsing.
42 43 How to...
Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
Step 4 Make social Step 1 networking safer Step 5 Social media sites let teens socialise Step 6 online. Here’s how to review privacy settings for your peace of mind
Facebook Step 2 Twitter YouTube
This guide will take you through the on their timeline, who can see their By putting security and privacy 5 a l y – leave both YouTube SafetyMode lets you opt basic security and privacy settings you timeline and what happens when they are settings in place on the browser- boxes unchecked to prevent people out of being shown videos that have Remember… need to protect your teenager when they tagged in a post. To check how others see based version of Twitter, you can fi nding details of your teen by email mature content or that have been 1 You need to be at least 13 are using the internet browser-based your teen’s timeline, go to their Facebook control how your teen interacts with address or phone number. age-restricted. These videos will also to have a YouTube account, version of Facebook. page and click on the down arrow situated others on the site. 6 d n n – leave this not appear in searches or in the but you don’t need to have Facebook is also available as a mobile beside the ‘Activity Log’ bar. Click on box unchecked to prevent Twitter ‘Related Video’ menu. an account to access most app for Android and iOS devices, and the ‘View As’, type in a name from your teen’s Security and privacy settings using your personal information videos on the site. privacy settings are dictated by how you friends list and you ll see how their profi le Go to ‘Settings’, then select to tailor adverts. To set up YouTube SafetyMode 2 To lock SafetyMode you set up your teen’s Facebook account on appears to that specifi c friend. ‘Security and privacy’. For the most Go to any YouTube page. Near the need to have a Google or the computer. If you alter your privacy 5 The Apps setting will let you control Step 3 secure settings, follow these steps: Reporting abusive Tweets foot of the page is a ‘Safety’ button; YouTube account. settings, the change is universal and will what information gets shared through On the far right of a Tweet select click to open the ‘Preferences’ setting. 3 If you or your child come affect how people view your teen’s games and apps such as Farmville or 1 n fi a n – select to report Turn ‘SafetyMode’ on or off and across an inappropriate video, Facebook via the app or on the website. Candy Crush. You can also block invites end ogin erifi cations To the content to Twitter admin. click ‘Save’. If you have a YouTube you can report it by clicking the to download apps or play games from My Phone’ and enter your account, you can sign into your ‘Flag’ button located below the 5 simple steps to making specifi c users here. phone number. account and lock ‘SafetyMode’ video. For more information, Facebook safe for your teen 2 a d – check this so that no one else can change go to: y y 1 Ask your teenager to log in using their box to ensure additional personal the settings. l yand a y email address and password. Click the cog information is required when a at the top right corner of their newsfeed password is reset. page to access ‘Settings’. Remember… 3 a y – check this box 2 The ‘Privacy’ page lets you control 1 You need to be over 13 to have a so that no-one can read your teen’s who can see and fi nd your teen s posts. Facebook account. Step 4 tweets without their prior approval. Select ‘Who Can Contact Me?’ to restrict 2 Facebook is a public platform. If your 4 l a n – leave this box who can befriend your teen or make teen removes a post or photo they are unchecked to prevent location friend requests. tagged in from their timeline, it will still details being included in tweets. 3 Use the ‘Blocking’ setting to block be visible elsewhere on the site. invites, users and app requests. You can 3 You can use the ‘Report’ button (on also create a ‘restricted’ list. Users you the drop down menu to the right of have selected to be on this list will only every post) to report offensive be able to see a very limited version of content to Facebook. your teen s profi le. 4 For more help and information, 4 ‘Timeline and Tagging’ will help you to check out Facebook’s Parents’ Centre control the photos and posts your teen is at facebook.com/safety tagged in. You can manage who can post Step 5 44 45 How to… References
For your information Vodafone would like to acknowledge the following sources of Acknowledgements statistics, press release extracts and comments Vodafone would like to thank everyone who helped to make Need to know Digital skills for kids Too much of a good thing? this magazine possible: ‘3.5 million British kids under eight have Vodafone research ‘Computer kids: Does your child need • The expert contributors tablets’, uSwitch.com (16 January 2014) tinyurl.com/VodafoneandMoshiMonsters a digital detox?’, the Telegraph • The children and parents who tinyurl.com/under8sandtablets tinyurl.com/usingthewebsafely tinyurl.com/computerkids were interviewed or featured tinyurl.com/tabletgeneration • Various departments within ‘UK parents want more invested in school IT’, Stranger danger Vodafone, including Brand, Legal Samsung Digital Skills Gap survey Generation Internet ‘Zero to Eight: Young children and their and Corporate Communications (22 January 2014) ‘Growing Up with Social Media’, Letterbox internet use’, EU Kids Online (August 2013) • The brands and organisations tinyurl.com/DigitalSkillsGap (July 2013) tinyurl.com/childreninternetuse that helped us to develop the tinyurl.com/generationinternet Report online concerns articles, including… ‘Spying on your kids’ online activity is not ‘Risks and safety on the internet: the If you ever encounter anything abusive, inappropriate or illegal the answer’, BBC Learning poll ‘Digital Birth: Welcome to the Online World’, perspective of European children: full tinyurl.com/spyingonyourkids AVG by Research Now (6 October 2010) findings and policy implications from the BeatBullying online, there are some useful contacts to keep close at hand tinyurl.com/digitalbirth EU Kids Online survey of 9- to 16-year-olds British Board of Film ‘What Kids are Reading’, Renaissance Learning, and their parents in 25 countries’, London l ss fi …to service providers …to the police and other authorities University of Dundee (6 March 2013) ‘Average Age of Owning First Phone School of Economics Research Online ChildLine tinyurl.com/WhatKidsRead Has Dropped Six Years in Past Decade’ tinyurl.com/internetrisks Childnet Mobilephonechecker.co.uk (9 August 2013) Get Safe Online content on the web report it to the I by clicking Q&A: No tech at the table ny l fi n a The real cost of ‘virtual coins’ Internet Watch Foundation Age Ratings You Trust eport Criminal Content on their website. our ‘Zero to eight: Young children and their gi es games firms pril deadline to Google SafeSearch British Board of Film report could help trace a victim and save them internet use’, EU Kids Online (August 2013) ‘Younger children turn from phones to clean up in-app purchases for kids’, the National Crime Agency’s Child Set to ‘Moderate Filtering’, this screens sites that l ss fi from further abuse and all reports are confi dential tinyurl.com/childreninternetuse tablets’ Ofcom (3 October 2013) Guardian (30 January 2014) tinyurl.com/phonestotablets tinyurl.com/inapppurchases Exploitation and Online contain sexually explicit content and removes he C works with fi lmmakers mobile and can be made anonymously. For more ‘CHILDWISE Monitor Trends Report 2012/13’, e them from your search results. o fi lter explicit operators and on demand digital service information, go to: iwf.org.uk CHILDWISE (11 July 2013) ‘Statistics on online safety’, ChildLine Services, ‘OFT Children’s Online Games report National Society for the text, change your settings to ‘Strict Filtering’. pro iders to ensure that children only iew tinyurl.com/CHILDWISEtrends NSPCC (February 2014) and consultation’ Prevention of Cruelty to If inappropriate sites still appear, you can report or access age-appropriate content. If you tinyurl.com/onlinesafetystats tinyurl.com/OFTonlinegames l e S MEDIA STANDARDS it to Google at: google.com/webmasters/ have seen something on a platform, service Picture this Sony Computer ‘The Tablet Generation: How do young children ‘Sexting: a new teen cyber-bullying ‘epidemic’’ ‘Five-year-old runs up £1,700 iPad bill in e e e S tools/safesearch or other provider that carries a BBFC age rating ParentPort the Telegraph (12 April 2012) use digital technologies?’ Vodafone and ten minutes’ the Telegraph (1 March 2013) UK Council on Child For more information, go to: google.com/ and you ha e feedback about the age rating ParentPort is run by the UK’s media regulators tinyurl.com/sextingandbullying YouGov (24 October 2013) tinyurl.com/iPadbillshock goodtoknow/familysafety you can call email or write to the C. or to protect children from inappropriate material. tinyurl.com/tabletgeneration Internet Safety more information, go to: bbfc.co.uk If you’ve seen or heard something unsuitable ‘Teen Sexting and Its Impact on the Tech ‘Lilly Neale, 8, runs up £4,000 bill for online ‘Children and Parents: Media Use and Attitudes Special thanks go for children on online in a fi lm ad ert ideo Industry’, Danah Boyd (13 June 2011) games’ the Times (18 July 2013) tinyurl.com/sextingandtech Report’, Ofcom (3 October 2013) tinyurl.com/iPadinapppurchase to The Parent Zone game or maga ine report it by clicking ake tinyurl.com/OFCOMmediause for their invaluable A National Crime Agency Facebook command a Complaint on the ParentPort website. It then ‘ChildLine tackling sexting with Internet Tame your teen’s mobile spend contribution to Digital Parenting. You can report offensive content by using the The National Crime directs you to the relevant regulator. E.g. to Watch Foundation’ ‘Zero to eight: Young children and their ‘Getting to grips with premium rate internet use’, EU Kids Online (August 2013) eport button. o ag a photo or ideo click the Agency’s CEOP Command complain about a game on a mobile phone, you tinyurl.com/childlineandIWF services’, The Parents Zone on YouTube © Vodafone 2014-2016. Vodafone tinyurl.com/childreninternetuse gear icon at the top right of the page and select The National Crime Agency’s CEOP Command need the ideo Standards Council website. or (11 December 2013) and the Vodafone logo are trade s tinyurl.com/premiumrateservices eport his Photo . acebook will re iew the helps young people who are being sexually more information, go to: parentport.org.uk Tread carefully, digital marks of the Vodafone Group. All ‘The Morning App Ritual: Which Mobile ® content and take appropriate action. or more abused or who are worried that someone Apps do Teens & Students start their footprints can last a lifetime rights reserved. BlackBerry and information, go to: facebook.com/safety they’ve met online is trying to abuse them. day with?’, mobileYouth (August 2013) ‘Babies appear on social media within an hour related names are the property of Research In Motion Limited and are his might be someone who is gumroad.com/l/TeensStudentsApps of birth’, the Telegraph via Posterista.co.uk (27 August 2013) registered and/or used in the U.S. • Chatting about sex online. PhonePayPlus The power of play tinyurl.com/onlinenewborns and countries around the world. • sking them to meet up face to face. PhonePayPlus regulates premium-rate ‘Gaming Britain: A Nation United by Digital Used under license from Research YouTube • sking them to do sexual things on webcam. services in the UK and offers free advice or Play’, Internet Advertising Bureau UK and ‘Shouldn’t They Call It BabyBook?’ In Motion Limited. Microsoft, MSN, Mail Online (9 January 2014) To report a video on YouTube as inappropriate, • sking for sexual pictures. can investigate a problem on your behalf. Kantar Media (September 2011) Windows, Windows Live and Xbox tinyurl.com/childrenonfacebook click the lag button beneath it. ou ube then • aking them feel worried anxious or unsafe. If you have a complaint about a premium- tinyurl.com/IABgamingBritain are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation re iews the report and remo es ideos that If this is happening to your child, or you’re rate ser ice contact the company fi rst. If ‘A Literature Review of Gaming in Education,’ Sticks and stones iolate its erms of se. sers who continue worried that it might be report it to C P at that doesn t work contact PhonePayPlus. Pearson (June 2012) ‘Cyberbullying contacts to ChildLine up in the United States and/or other to break these rules will ha e their accounts ceop.police.uk Complaints can include the cost of a text/call tinyurl.com/gamingandeducation by 87%’ the Guardian (9 January 2014) countries. Other product and penalised or closed. For more information, not being stated; misleading service claims; tinyurl.com/cyberbullyingandchildline company names mentioned herein may be the trade marks of their go to: youtube.com/yt/policyandsafety offensive content, a prize not delivered, ‘Do television and electronic games predict children’s psychosocial adjustment?’ BeatBullying survey respective owners. The opinions a request for termination of the service British Medical Journal, University of tinyurl.com/beatbullyingreport stated in this document are the e e being ignored; or a call being unnecessarily Glasgow (March 2013) authors’ own and not necessarily Digital Citizen Cyberbullying Victim Statistics If you come across any child sexual abuse content long which makes it costly. or more tinyurl.com/childrenTVandgaming those of the Vodafone Group. (child pornography), or criminally obscene adult information, go to: phonepayplus.org.uk tinyurl.com/cyberbullyingstatistics
46 47 “If you look too closely over your child’s shoulder, it gives them the impression you don’t trust them” p9 “Try things out for yourself and you’ll get a feel for what your kids are using” p15 “The aim is to get kids to stop and think before they send” p19 “By using Minecraft, students are improving their problem-solving skills, communication skills and collaborative working” p20 “I’ve been catapulted into a global community, making the world around me more accessible” p26 “How will you advise your ‘future teenager’ on what’s appropriate to post if you’ve been posting embarrassing shots of them throughout their childhood years?” p28 “Some children are able to ignore online bullying, but most take it very personally, and are haunted by these anonymous and vicious expressions of ridicule and disdain” p29 “The issue isn’t just about reducing children’s access. Adults need to be modelling a healthy balance and stop themselves constantly checking their devices for emails and texts” p33 “In the real world we treat strangers with caution. Similar care should be given to your child’s new online ‘friends’” p34
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