Google Family Link as an Online Safety Tool

 

Hello Shielded Space.

Our post today is dedicated to parents. In this digital age, it has become important to help our children navigate the internet safely. Recently, at work, I have had to walk parents through on how to use the Google Family Link as a safeguarding tool, so I thought to share how this tool helps.  

In an age where children seem to be born with a smartphone in their hands, it is important to empower parents with the right tools to keep their little ones safe in the digital space. So, what exactly is Google Family Link, and how can it help you with online safety? I will break it down into simple steps:

Digital Wellness is Important

 

The internet is a well of knowledge, and surfing the internet can offer numerous benefits for children, such as maintaining connections with friends and gaining knowledge about the world. However, alongside these advantages come certain challenges, making the online environment complex for young children to navigate. Some may find it challenging to cope with the demands of staying connected with friends, leading to mounting societal pressure amongst other negative impacts.

Navigating the Digital World Safely: Top Tips for Teenagers

 

Hello Shielded Space,

My post today is dedicated to teenagers. I recently had the opportunity to speak with a child who had been unsafe on the internet, and had her personal details including details of her address leaked online. While speaking to her, I realised that she had no idea how to use social media safely, and this prompted this post.

Image credit: LinkedIn

In my line of work, I have come to understand that being a teenager today comes with a whole new set of challenges, especially in the digital age. The internet and social media have opened up a world of opportunities and connections, but they also bring their fair share of risks. This is why it is essential to equip our teenagers with the knowledge and skills to stay safe online and use social media responsibly. So, today, we are diving into some top tips for online safety and responsible social media use.

Top 10 Tips for Talking to Your Child About Online Safety

 

Welcome back to Shielded Space, your go-to resource for safeguarding tips and advice. In today's digital age, talking to children about online safety is not just important; it is essential. With the internet becoming an integral part of their lives, it's our duty as parents, carers, teachers, social workers, and professionals working with children to ensure they are well-informed and equipped to navigate the online world safely. In this blog post, we will explore practical strategies to help you initiate conversations about online safety with children, making it age-appropriate and effective.

photo credit: internet matters

1. Start Early: Begin discussing online safety as early as possible. Even young children who do not have their own devices are likely to encounter screens and the internet at a friend's house, school, or family gatherings. By laying the foundation for safe online behaviour early on, you will help them develop good habits.