The online safety chart that's gone viral over Christmas
Keeping kids safe online is a big job for all parents. This Christmas, a chart that simplifies how to do just that has grabbed the internet's attention.
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Christmas is a popular time of year to gift kids new tech. But keeping track of how best to optimise the safety settings on everything to keep kids safe online isn't always easy.
Which must be why this chart, courtesty of Code 9 Parents - a site that offers online courses for parents wanting to upskill themselves in all things social media and online gaming - has captured parents' imaginations this festive season.
Shared widely in the UK, including by West Yorkshire Police, the easy-to-follow infographic provides some invaluable tips on what to do (and what not to do!) when sorting our your child's phone, computer or tablet.
While the chart covers YouTube, Safari, apps and iTunes, West Yorkshire Police have complemented their sharing of the chart with a step-by-step guide to make sure children stay out of harm's way online.
West Yorkshire Police says: 'Many young people now use tablets, smart phones and games consoles - each with the capability to go online.
'The internet, and all it can offer, is a wonderful tool for keeping in touch with friends and family, however parents and carers need to be aware that it is possible for people who are unknown to children and young people to communicate with them via the internet.
'Some parents, carers or relatives might not realise that even games consoles such as Xbox and PlayStation are connected to the internet and can be used for communicating as well as playing games.'
The police force also lists some other tips and tricks that can ensure your child is using the internet sensibly and safely:
More advice for parents on keeping children safe online
- Have frank and free discussions with your child to find out how they use the internet.
- Talk to your child about what they might come across online.
- Manage their devices by only letting them use them in communal areas.
- If you think your child is too young to have a device, explain why.
- Activate parental controls on your home broadband, devices on software.
- Be aware if your child is using public WiFi some parental controls and safety features may be deactivated.
- Set up an agreement with your kids about how both you and they will use the internet.
- Make sure you discuss the risks of using social media before they sign up.
- If they do have a social media profile make sure all the privacy settings are activated so they only speak to people they know.
- Check the age ratings on websites, apps and games.
Source: West Yorkshire Police.
For more information on keeping kids safe online, visit Internet Matters, the UK's leading nonprofit organisation dedicated to keeping kids safe online.
Did you buy your kids tech for Christmas? Have you found any clever ways of keeping them safe online? Tell us in our forum by clicking the link below.
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