Kids and Screen Time

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Knowing what our kids are doing online can help us build bridges for connection.​

Roblox.  YouTube.  TikTok.  WhatsApp...  It seems like there are new games and apps every day. It's not practical to know in depth every site your child might visit. Instead, try to be aware of what the different platforms are and what can happen on them. Don't be afraid to try them yourself! 
 

Positive parent involvement decreases risky online activity. ​

Healthy relationships with your children can help them to develop safe, protective behaviours in both the online and real world. 

Try framing your expectations positively, for example, instead of saying

"no phones at the dinner table tonight",

try

"I'm looking forward to hearing all about your day".

 

You might also encourage your children to follow positive role models, interesting hobbies and uplifting educational content to balance out negative social media. ​

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Have open discussions about online activity.​

Laughing over funny videos or posts, or sharing your own mistakes using social media, can help break down barriers between you and your children.

Use technology for family interactions, such as video calls or family chat groups, to model positive online behaviours and normalise it's use. These all help to lay down foundations for further discussions about technology. 
 

Setting ground rules and planning internet and technology.

A family technology plan helps everyone to feel clear about what they can and can't do with technology and saves parents / carers from making rules up on the fly.​

There is no one size fits all for every family, and the plan will probably change as children get older.

 

The eSafe Kids website is a good place to start when thinking about what technology plan would suit your family. Searching "family technology plan" on the internet will also give ideas for what you might like to include.

 

Creating the plan with your children, and listening to their perspectives and suggestions, will help everyone to feel onboard. Once you've agreed, write it down and display it to make it easier for everyone to stick to.

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Cyber safety – the safe and responsible use of the internet, social media, online games, mobiles and computers. ​​

Anglicare WA recommends the eSafety Commissioner website for all things cyber safety. It has excellent information for parents, young people and kids that is age appropriate and easy to use.

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Need to improve your own digital skills?

It is important for parents / carers and children to have the knowledge and skills to keep themselves safe online. Anglicare WA recommends Be Connected – a website committed to building the confidence, digital skills and online safety of all Australians. The site provides free learning resources online and information about community organisations running free computer classes across Australia. The site is useful for Grandparent carers and anyone who needs beginner level information. 

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More info: What's Missing From Our Conversations | TIME​