e-Learning News

New Tech coming in for Christmas? Some tips for Santa! 

Learn your way around

Most devices have controls to ensure that children can’t access content you don’t want them to. These include settings for online searching, “in-app” purchases,  as well as screen time allowances. Once you hand over devices on Christmas morning it can be hard to get them back, so it’s great to have a go on any devices you buy before handing over on the morning of the 25th! This allows you to set up any restrictions in advance and learn your way around any settings and functionalities in case your child comes to you for help!

Setting-up your tablets in advance

Tablets are really popular with younger children and there are a wide range to choose from, including child-friendly and educational models. When it comes to setting up and using tablets, why not start slowly? Download games and apps you have checked out carefully. Sites such as Net Aware or Common Sense Media provide useful advice.

For mobile phones

If you have older children and are thinking about getting them a new phone for Christmas, this can pose different challenges. The warnings are evolving, having your home computer in a communal place doesn’t easily apply to this modern technology. If you think about it - phones are literally mobile computers and have the power of most traditional desktop PCs.

While the new device might be exciting, this is still a new device and new responsibility. Just like reading, writing and playing a new sport, your child will need help learning the Do's and Don'ts of phone etiquette. 

Top tips for phones or tablets over the holidays

• Set boundaries
  Our advice is to set some ground rules, and ensure they understand them. For example:
• Apply Screen Time Limits
  Agree a time limit or number of games beforehand, to avoid repeated disagreements around how long they can spend online.
• Sleep comes first
  We advise that phones or tablets stay out of the bedroom overnight to charge. This avoids those nighttime distractions.
• Ask for access 
  If you’re concerned about something happening or want to take a look at the games and apps they are on, ask them to allow you access to the phone.
• Monitoring vs having a conversation
  It is possible to install software onto devices that monitors online activity on devices. This type of software is becoming increasingly popular, but while this might sound tempting, it does pose a number of issues around your child’s right to privacy. Instead why not have a conversation about the types of things they are doing online, and create a family agreement to set out expected behaviour.

E Learning Coordinator

Zachary Lane