The Wellbeing Page 

Gaming, Devices, and What You Need to Know:

This resource from ThinkUKnow Australia has been created for you when it comes to choosing and setting up new devices for your family.

Their experience is that many parents and carers feel overwhelmed when it comes to their child’s online activities, with many devices available and many different safety options to be across – it can be hard to know exactly what to do to keep your child safe. 

Many people think that apps, games and sites specifically aimed at children are ‘safer’, which is not necessarily the case. Apps, games and sites that are marketed towards children may still have interactive online functions. Having an understanding of the features of devices, apps and games your children are using, particularly whether there is an internet connection and the ability to connect with other users, is important for keeping them safe.

Market research commissioned by the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation (ACCCE), indicates that just three per cent of parents and carers listed online grooming as a concern. 

More than half did not know what they could do to keep children safe from online child sexual exploitation.

This resource aims to provide information on popular devices, safety considerations and options available for you to manage your child’s online activities.  It is always recommended you undertake your own research in deciding whether a device, app or game is suitable for your child. 

SMPS strongly recommends that device use at home is continuously monitored by an adult. Parental controls are not enough. We frequently hear parents say 'but I thought Roblox was fine because it's for kids', after finding out that their child had been exposed to inappropriate content on that program. Roblox is marketed for kids but anyone can sign up. Protect your children by monitoring their device, always. 

We also implore that you do not allow your child to have a social media account until they are legally allowed to sign up - the age being 12 or 13 years old for most apps. There is a vast amount of research now demonstrating the damaging effects of social media on the mental health of children and young people. Our advice to parents - don't allow your child to sign up and add to those statistics. 

For further information on preventing online child sexual exploitation, visit the Think you Know website.

Family Support:

Middle Years and Youth Services (aged 8 to 25)

Find programs, activities, services and events for young people aged 8 to 25 who live, work, study or play in the City of Port Phillip here.