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MOBILE PHONES AND KEEPING CHILDREN SAFE IN THE ONLINE WORLD OF COMMUNICATION

As more children in upper primary school ask for their first phone, parents face a tough question: how can they give kids independence while keeping them safe online? 

With instant messaging apps, social media, and online games, children are more connected than ever, but not always to people you know.

Experts recommend that parents actively monitor who their children are talking to online. Children at this age are curious and often unaware of online risks. It is important for parents and carers to be aware of who their children are contacting online.

Here’s a clear list of practical ways parents can actively monitor who their children are talking to online and keep them safe:

1. Check app privacy settings – Ensure messaging apps, social media, and games are set so only approved friends can contact your child.
2. Use parental controls – Many phones and apps allow you to monitor contacts, messages, and screen time.
3. Keep devices in shared spaces – Encourage use of phones or tablets in living areas rather than bedrooms.
4. Review friends and contacts – Periodically go through your child’s friends list to make sure they only know the people they claim to.
5. Discuss online safety regularly – Talk about who is safe to communicate with and what to do if someone seems suspicious.
6. Teach reporting and blocking – Show your child how to block strangers and report inappropriate messages.
7. Set clear rules and consequences – Establish guidelines for online use and explain what is acceptable behaviour.
8. Encourage open communication – Make sure your child feels comfortable telling you if something online makes them uncomfortable.
9. Monitor for warning signs – Watch for changes in mood, secretive behaviour, or sudden new contacts.
10. Model good online habits – Show your child how you safely communicate online and manage your own devices.

PARENT TIP OF THE WEEK

Check out the Wait Mate website and consider joining the pledge to avoid mobile phones for children until at least high school age. Wait Mate is a movement empowering parents to hit pause on smartphones until at least high school. They connect you with like-minded families in your child's school year. So kids can be kids for longer.

Buninyong P.S is a registered school on this website.