Digital Technologies

Supporting Your Child’s Online Safety at Home

Parental controls are a helpful tool for keeping children safe when using devices that connect to the internet. They can assist in blocking inappropriate content, managing screen time, and limiting who children can communicate with online.

To be most effective, parental controls should be set up on all devices your child uses, including phones, tablets, laptops, gaming consoles, and smart TVs. It’s also important to regularly review and update these settings, and to consider devices your child may use outside the home, such as those belonging to family members or friends.

While parental controls are valuable, they work best when combined with active supervision and open conversations about safe online behaviour. Encouraging your child to talk about their online experiences can help build their confidence in making safe choices.

How you can support your child at home:

• Keep devices in shared family spaces where possible to support supervision
• Set clear expectations around screen time and appropriate online behaviour
• Regularly check in with your child about what they are doing online and who they are interacting with
• Remind your child not to share personal information (such as their full name, address, school, or passwords)
• Encourage your child to speak to a trusted adult if they see or experience something that makes them feel uncomfortable

• Model safe and respectful online behaviour in your own device use

   

Working together, we can help children develop the skills they need to stay safe, confident, and responsible online.

Amanda Marvelli 

Digital Technologies Leader