Digital Superheroes: Parent or Over-Sharent: Which One Are You?

Digital
I S S U E 6
Parenting
Parent or
over-sharent:
which one
are you?
Digital The Duke of

Cambridge on
superheroes his fight against

cyberbullying
How building resilience will
help your child stay safe and PLUS
be happy online Digital life
skills everyone
should learn
Age ratings
The rise of
virtual reality
and more
Contents
Freshly clicked content
Welcome
You can see this issue and
the best of previous issues
of Digital Parenting on our
website www.vodafone.com/ 06
digitalparenting. Here, you can 24
Welcome to the
fin infor tion on s ifi 26
latest edition of
concerns, such as cyberbullying How to manage
or sexting, and keep up to date
Digital Parenting
screen time
with the must-have apps and magazine. Our aim
social media platforms that is to provide you
are proving so popular with with the latest expert
children and young people. advice so you can help your children
develop the life skills and knowledge
they need to use the online world
s f y n wit onfi n
Never underestimate the role we
have as parents, even as our children
grow and inhabit an online world that
can sometimes be very different to
Cover image: Rex Features. This page and opposite: Caiaimage/Paul Bradbury; iStock by Getty Images; Brand New Images. Illustration: Bratislav Milenkovic
the one we use.
On page 6, we explain that parents
and carers are key to nurturing resilience
Published by Vodafone Ltd online while, elsewhere, you will
©Vodafone 2017 fin rt ti s n infor tion
on how to do this.
Technology plays its part, so you In this issue
For Parent Zone wi sti fin infor tion on s ttin
Editor Eleanor Levy r nt ontro s n fi t rs on t 04 The Duke of Cambridge and the 24 Spotting harmful sexual and
Commissioning Editors Taskforce on the Prevention of sexist behaviour online
apps and services your children use.
Gary Crossing, Megan Rose Cyberbullying 26 Screen time: the new rules and
Parenting Advisor Vicki Shotbolt
However, underpinning it all is the 06 Digital resilience: what it is and managing your own tech time
parentzone.org.uk importance of parents in helping how to nurture it in your children 28 Cybersecurity: a parent’s guide
children thrive in the online world. 08 Just one thing: experts provide 30 Body image and social media
o you fin t is n w ition top tips for parents 32 How new guidance is helping
helpful as a guide to strengthening 10 Fake news – spotting lies online schools deal with underage
For Vodafone children’s digital resilience – meaning 12 Essential digital life skills, and sexting incidents
Editor Catherine Russell the ability to recognise when they are creating a positive digital footprint 34 Live streaming: what you
CSR Manager Natasha May at risk online – and know what to do, 14 Do you over-sharent? Test yourself need to know
Supported by the Vodafone as Parent Zone CEO Vicki Shotbolt 16 Vodafone Story Time 36 Just one thing: parents and
Foundation (charity no. 1089625) explains on page 7. 18 PSHE and its role in keeping your teens offer their best tips
vodafone.co.uk child safe online 38 Awkward conversations: how
I would love to hear your views on
20 Digital minister Matt Hancock talks to have them and what to say
For Sunday
this edition, so please email me at: about keeping children safe online 40 Age ratings and what they mean
Editor Tim Oldham paul.morris1@vodafone.com 22 Vodafone’s Helen Lamprell 41 Tools and controls
Account Director Gill Tait Paul Morris Head of Government Affairs & explains why Digital Parenting 46 How virtual reality is taking
Creative Director Matt Beaven Corporate Social Responsibility, Vodafone Ltd is so important learning out of the classroom
Managing Director Toby Smeeton
We do our best to make sure that

information in Digital Parenting is Get in touch Special thanks & contributors
correct, but sometimes things change
If you have any questions about Editorial steering group Zoe Croft, the Taskforce on the Prevention of Cyberbullying;
after the magazine has gone to print.
Vodafone imited egistered office
Digital Parenting or any of the Carolyn Bunting, Internet Matters.
Vodafone House, The Connection, issues raised in this edition, Contributors John Cameron OBE, Childline; Marie Smith, CEOP; Will Gardner, Childnet;
Newbury, Berkshire RG14 2FN. email DigitalParenting@ Jonathan Baggaley, PSHE Association; Dr Richard Graham; Dr Linda Papadopolous;
Registered no. 1471587. Published parentzone.org.uk. rofessor onia ivingstone ondon chool of conomics nne ongfield hildren s
by We Are Sunday Limited. Commissioner of England and Wales; Tessy Ojo, The Diana Award; David Austin, BBFC;
wearesunday.com Dr Elly Hanson; Jamie Bartlett; John Carr; Mark Linington; Ann-Marie Corvin; Yusuf
Tamanna; Marjun Ziarati; Ros Shorrocks; Alfriston School.
2 Digital Parenting | The digital resilience issue vodafone.com/parents 3

Cyberbullying
The taskforce of
industry and charity
T
leaders is working
with young people to
provide initiatives to
combat cyberbullying
hrough his work with
young people, mental
health charities and as
1 To identify a set of actions for young
people to help them behave better
online, and for these to appear on the
a parent himself, The social media sites they are using.
Duke of Cambridge has
become increasingly
concerned about
2 For these actions to form part of
a campaign that also re ects the
fact that young people see social media
cyberbullying and the impact it can and the internet as positive platforms.
have on children and young people.
A recent nationwide survey revealed
that 55% of young people have received
3 For parents, carers and teachers
to help remind young people
how to behave online, just as they
The internet creates
a wealth of positive
hurtful comments online, with 18% do ith their usual of ine behaviour opportunities for young people
experiencing cyberbullying – and the As adults, we have conversations across the world. Unfortunately,
problem is growing. There’s been a every day with young people, guiding
dramatic increase in mobile devices them on how they should behave at
digital technologies can also
and social media sites, which young school, with friends and when they go generate ne and significant
people view as integral to their world. out. This generation is asking us to offer avenues for bullying. As a
In May 2016, The Duke of Cambridge them the same support about how to parent, I have been alarmed
brought together a taskforce of leaders behave online and on social media. by the pressures young people
in the technology and charity sectors The Taskforce has now turned its are facing from their peers and
to develop an industry-wide response attention to delivering these outcomes,
to the online bullying of young people. and it’s clear that by working together,
of the tragic consequences
A panel of young people brought younger and older generations can this can have. Last year, I set
together by the Taskforce revealed that help stop cyberbullying, and make up a taskforce bringing social
while many of them admitted they have the internet a better, kinder place. media companies together
been cyberbullied, they also explained with internet service providers
how easy it can be to join in with Look out for further announcements
negative conversations online, quickly on the work of the Taskforce on the
to develop a new, positive
becoming a contributor to the abuse. Prevention of Cyberbullying at strategy to combat online
The study also revealed how easy it www.royalfoundation.com/ bullying. I hope that the
can be for young people to just stand our-work/cyberbullying outcomes from this Taskforce
back and watch cyberbullying unfold. will help to ensure the internet
The panel asked the Taskforce for remains something young
help in three ways:
people and their parents can
embrace ith confidence
HRH The Duke of Cambridge
Share some Taskforce team

The members of the Taskforce
include The Anti-Bullying Alliance,
Apple, BBC, BT, The Diana Award,
kindness
EE, Facebook, Google, Instagram,
Internet Matters, NSPCC, O2, Sky,
Snapchat, Supercell, TalkTalk,
Twitter, Vodafone, Virgin Media
and YouTube. Together the
members will be supporting
campaigns for young people,
parents, carers and teachers.
The Duke of Cambridge is working with industry and charity leaders and young people to help
combat cyberbullying. Here, Zoe Croft, from the Taskforce on the Prevention of Cyberbullying, Workshops helped young people identify For further advice on
explains more, and The Duke tells Digital Parenting why the subject means so much to him action points to stop cyberbullying cyberbullying, turn to page 23

Facing challenges
What is What you
digital can do
resilience? Left to their own devices, young

people are unlikely to develop
greater resilience and understanding
Parent Zone CEO, Vicki Shotbolt, explains how without some opportunity to share
you can make sure your child has the tools they their experiences with adults,” explains
Dr Richard Graham.
need to navigate the online world successfully “We may not understand all the apps
or devices they use, but we do have
What is digital resilience? Who else can help? thoughts about what is good and bad
Digital resilience is part of your Everyone has a part to play in the world, and sharing values is
personality that develops from in building a child’s resilience. a fantastic way for young people to
spending time online and facing Having safe spaces to explore and process their experiences. Finding ways
the challenges out there. It means take age-appropriate risks is vital, to discuss some of the more challenging
you recognise when you’re at so industry has a big role, building content they come across, whether
risk online, and that you know services that young people can pornography, ultra-thin models or
what to do. enjoy with proper safeguards. animal cruelty, can help young people.
A resilient child is more likely to Schools can teach critical- “When we cannot bear to speak
stay safe if anything bad happens, thinking skills so children can out iffi u t issu s, or w try to s ut
and benefit from the opportunities make sensible judgements about them down, they become more, rather
the online world provides. what they’re doing and seeing, than less, frightening. What has been
and work on soft skills, like seen cannot be unseen. Talking
How can I help? empathy and self-esteem. together makes a difference.
The best thing parents can do
is to set boundaries so children Is resilience the same Dr Richard Graham is Consultant
know what they can do and as toughening up? Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist,
what they can’t – and then Absolutely not. Children need Nightingale Hospital and London
let them explore. to take risks and learn that they Digital Mental Wellbeing Service
They will make mistakes, but can recover when things go digitalwellbeing.london
to learn they need to take risks. wrong. But that’s not the same
When they get into scrapes, it’s as expecting children to toughen Vicki Shotbolt and Dr Richard
essential you let them learn from up when bad things happen. Graham are co-chairs of the UK
them and help them recover. Getting help and resolving Council for Child Internet Safety’s
Then let them try again. problems is important. Digital Resilience Working Group
Promoting digital resilience in real life

A worrying image Jacqui talked to Tiana Going public and his own channel would
Jacqui noticed that her about how she felt and Jamie, 13, wanted to create let him join in. They talked
eight-year-old, Tiana, had ways to avoid it happening a public YouTube account about posting videos safely,
become withdrawn – she again, such as using Google to perform magic tricks. His not revealing his contact
left the room when the SafeSearch (see Tools, p41) dad, Sam, was worried Jamie details or location, how
news came on and didn’t and using more relevant was too young to cope with to report inappropriate
look at her phone as much words when searching negative comments, and approaches, and who Jamie
as normal. Jacqui asked online. Jacqui let Tiana that predatory adults may could talk to if anything
what was wrong, and Tiana know it’s important that she contact him or try to track upset him. Jamie initially
said that she’d seen a photo tells someone in future if him down in real life. Jamie posted videos with
of an elephant being shot anything upsets her, and explained that there is a comments turned off,
Image: Getty
online, and she was upset encouraged her to go back huge, supportive network of turning them on when
and scared to log on. online when she felt ready. young magicians out there, f t or onfi nt

Top tips
“Explore with your child how they

can report to their favourite site
app. It can be reassuring for both
of you, and it’s an opportunity to “Don’t let devices get in the way of your
reiterate to your child that they parenting or let the tech make you feel you’re
not in control. The parenting techniques you
can come to you if something use to get them to do their homework or eat
online has made them feel their veg work for digital rules as well.”
“Talk to your child about the risks of worried or upset.” Vicki Shotbolt, CEO, Parent Zone, the UK’s leading parenting
sexting and how to keep safe. If sexting Marie Smith, Head of Education, CEOP, the child organisation specialising in the digital world www.parentzone.org.uk
goes wrong and a sexual image is shared, protection branch of the National Crime Agency
it can be devastating for the child and www.thinkuknow.co.uk
support from parents is crucial. Childline
provides confidential advice or children
on the phone and online 24/7, and can
even help get a sexual image removed
from the internet.” “Encourage your child to watch
* atfish he how. Each episode,
John Cameron OBE, Head of helplines, Childline, the presenters check the identity of
the free and confidential advice service for children
www.childline.org.uk
someone a young person has befriended,
Telephone: 0800 1111; Parent helpline: 0808 800 5000
often romantically, on social media. It’s
the best thing I’ve seen for explaining to
kids in their own language that people
they meet online may not be who they
say they are.”
Just one thing “Parents need to know the Eleanor Levy, editor, Parent Info, a free news and advice
service for parents that schools can run on their own
modern troubles today’s website www.parentinfo.org. * atfish he V ho
is rated 12. See p40 for our article explaining ratings.
kids face. So, get out there
If you could give parents one piece of advice to keep children and explore the sites and
safe online, what would it be? Megan Rose asked the experts apps your kids use. If you
know nothing of Snapchat
or 4chan you won’t be as
“There are no set guidelines
ready or capable to help.”
for how much screen time is Jamie Bartlett, author, The Dark Web, and director
appropriate for children, but of The Centre for the Analysis of Social Media for the
there needs to be a balance. UK cross-party think-tank, Demos
Don’t be afraid to have rules,
like ‘no tablets at the dinner “Be curious and ask your
table’. For younger children, children to talk about, or better
use tech to help; the Forest
app lets you grow a beautiful still sho ou the services the
forest the longer you leave are using and h the love “From time to time, sit down with your
your device alone. And lead them tarting the conversation
by example – make time to is key, both to help ensure children, gather in all their devices and
be a gadget-free family.”
that children know how to ask them to take you through every app
Carolyn Bunting, CEO, Internet
Matters, an independent, not-for- stay safe and respect others explaining what they do, who they speak
profit e safet organisation online, but also so they turn to to or connect with and which websites
www.internetmatters.org you if someone or something they visit. If your parental antennae start
online is making them to tingle, delve deeper.”
feel uncomfortable.” John Carr, internet safety and security expert, and member of the executive
Will Gardner, CEO, Childnet International, board of the UK Council for Child Internet Safety
and a Director of the UK Safer Internet Centre
www.childnet.com

Fake news
account that has one

can be trusted, it’s
a factor to consider.
What you
can do Why are people
sharing this?
Discuss with your child
whether they’re more
likely to share something
Encourage your child to on social media if it’s
ask you if they are unsure funny, exciting or
if something online is shocking, and that posts
Vodafone and The Diana Award’s anti- true or not. If they do and online news like that
bullying campaign have developed the come to you, discuss who spread quickly because
Be Strong Online programme for secondary shared it and why, how people want to be the
schools, including a module on critical reliable the source is, or first to ss it on
thinking, with a guide for parents by whether the story looks Even if a correction
Parent Zone. Schools can sign up at or feels like an advert. is posted, it’s unlikely
bestrongonline.co.uk. o fin Teach them to ask the to receive the same
out more, see page 47 following questions: attention, and the
damage is already done.
Can you trust
the person? Whose side are
Sorting the
Make sure they know they on?
that not all sources are Talk about bias and
r i f n un rifi urge your child to get
social media account a balanced perspective
posts that a band has by checking several
broken up, it could be sources – not just one.
fact from
from anyone. The band’s
offi i ount or Is it real?
website is more likely Advise your child to
to be trustworthy. check stories for
rifi witt r or manipulated images
Instagram accounts have or videos and to check
the fiction
a small blue badge with the web address (URL).
a white tick next to the Many fake news sites
name. While not every mimic genuine ones
offi i ount s by making small
badge, and not every changes to the URL.
Fake news is everywhere. But how do kids spot the truth Fake or not?
online when even adults struggle, asks Gary Crossing Tick yes to any of these
H
questions? That story may
oaxes, propaganda and In the past, media outlets have not be the whole truth
disinformation posing published stories that turned out to
as fact amplified and be untrue ut fa e ne s is deliberatel Does the website address
spread on social media, created to misinform people, whether (URL) look strange or wrong?
are so powerful that they for fun, malice, or to support someone’s Does the story come from a third
can in uence public opinion and ideological agenda.
Illustration: Patrick George, Image: Getty

party you’ve never heard of?
even affect elections. dults find it hard to recognise fa e
Faceboo is introducing ne tools news and rumours online. Imagine Does the person have a political
to control its spread and i ipedia ho tric it can be for oung people or ideological agenda to push?
plans to fight it ith i itribune a We need to help them develop the Are they trying to sell you
ebsite that uses onl evidence based s ills to uestion hat the re seeing something by scaring you?
journalism. Meanwhile, Vodafone will and to recognise exaggeration and lies, Could the image have been
not advertise on fa e ne s sites just as the should in their of ine lives Photoshopped or faked?

Need to know
Skills workshop
The Digital Life Skills workshop,
developed by Vodafone with Parent Zone,
is designed to give parents fun activities to
take home and try with their children. It focuses
Digital
Life Askill
simple
1:test is to on the three digital life skills that support a child’s
have your child ask digital resilience and help them to Be Strong
Be athecritical thinker
question, ‘Who online, even as the tech world changes around
wrote this, and why?’ them. Vodafone volunteers will be offering
Are they trying to sell workshops to local schools. Find out
Life skill Life skill 1: you something, con you more at https://parentzone.org.uk/
Be a critical thinker into sharing personal vodafone-digital-life-skills
We hear a lot aboutBe fakeanews
critical thinker information or an
(check out our article on page inappropriate image, or
10), but being a critical thinker make you look stupid?
online isn’t just about being Do they have their own
life
able to spot misinformation political or ideological
or lies. It’s about knowing agenda? The more your
when a website is giving you child questions what
advice that is either wrong or they see and hear online,
potentially harmful, and about the more protected
recognising and rejecting peer they will be.
pressure to join in with online Life skill 1:
crazes that could hurt you, Be a critical thinker
or someone you know.
Life skill From a young age, teach children
skills
Life
Be a capable skill
tools 2:
user that when they sign up to a new
Life skill 2: be a capable toolssocial
Companies are building tools to
usermedia app, games forum
make the internet as safe as it can or online service, they must limit
be a confident communicator be, and it’s important that children who can contact them, and block
know how to use them. For example, people who make them feel
Life skill 2: setting unique passwords and uncomfortable or threaten them.
Life skill 2: be a capable anti-virus software can keep
tools user Teach them to look for the tools
your information private. and settings symbol (often a
be a confident communicator Being aware of how to block cog) and make sure they know
people on apps and services, that tools are there to help them
and how to adjust safety and stay in control – not to stop them
You don’t have to be a tech privacy settings, is as important doing things. See our Tools
a life skill as learning how to section from page 41 for help
genius to help keep your children swim or cross the road safely. with doing this.
safe online. Here are the three
digital life skills that will serve Life skill
them well, whichever direction e a confident
technology goes, says Eleanor communicator
Children need someone to talk Don’t wait until something bad Life skill 2:
Levy, editor, Parent Info Life orskill 2:happens. Reassure your child
to when things go wrong be a capable tools user
upset them, online be
or off.aThey
confident
that they communicator
can tell you anything
n to f onfi nt t y and you won’t get angry with Creating a positive digital footprint
can ask for help, even if they’ve them, whatever they’ve done.
been doing something they Children and young people Scare stories abound about much? Use our tools section they could start an account know how to block or report
shouldn’t have been, such as may need guidance on how to how your child’s digital (see page 44) to help them to share their work. Most people who hassle them.
signing up for a social media communicate with others safely footprint could negatively set up privacy settings. platforms allow users to
account while underage, or and nicely. Parents can help by affect their life, but if they disable comments to control Remember
sending inappropriate images being role models in their own nurture it, they can use it Who they follow or like on cyberbullying and trolling. A digital footprint isn’t just
of themselves. internet use (see our article on to project a positive image social media reveals a lot Just make sure that before what your child shares, it’s
page 22). And, if something does to the world. Following organisations and they are on social media, also what is shared and said
go wrong, the ability to complain commentators, as well as they know not to share about them – remember this
is a skill children are never too Get them to check their friends and celebs, can show contact details or post when posting about them.
Illustration: Romualdo Faura

young to learn. Knowing how online presence regularly your child is well informed anything that tells people For some children, such
and where to report bad things Before searching their and interested in the world. where they live, go to school as those in care, an online
that happen is key for a positive name online, they should or hang out. They should presence may put them at
experience online. log out of their social media Encourage their creativity also not private message or risk. In these cases, privacy
accounts so they can see Keen writers could start their one-to-one video chat with is important. A positive
ho much of their profile own blog. Or, if they’re into people they’ve never met digital footprint is a bonus,
is visible to a stranger. Too photography and video, of ine he also need to not a must-have.

Quiz
Are you an
over-sharent?
What do you know about sharenting? What 1 What is sharenting? 3 ow confident are 5 Do you expect other 7 If they asked you to 9 Your 13-year-old How did you do?
are the risks? And are you doing it too much? a The habitual use of you about using parents to ask your take a picture down has just started a 0-2 points
social media to share privacy settings? permission before would you do it? Facebook account. Unawarent
k our ui to fin out y Gary Crossing news and images of a Erm, what are they post images a No, they need to Do you… Dear, oh dear – hashtag
your children privacy settings? of your child? develop a thick skin a Talk to them about poor sharenting skills.
b Constantly shushing b Very – I use them a Of course b efinitel responsible sharing
your child in public all the time b No, I don’t mind c I would, but I don’t and privacy settings 3-7 points
c Shaming your child c I do know how to use c I never ask other know how b Make friends with Almost there-ent
by behaving in an them, but I don’t bother parents, so I’m not them so you can spy You clearly have some
embarrassing way bothered 8 What are the risks on what they are doing 10 Your child falls knowledge, but there is
of sharenting? c Let them get on with it, off their bike while room for improvement.
2 How many photos 6 How does your child a Revealing too much of it’s none of your business learning to ride
of the average child feel about you sharing your child’s private life without stabilisers. 8-10 points
do you think will be pictures of them? b Your images could You... Share genius
posted online by a They’re embarrassed embarrass your child a Reach for your Well done! You are a
their fi th birthda but, hey, that’s my job or put them at risk smartphone and responsible sharent. Your
a 500 as a parent of bullying film it for posting children will be proud.
b 1,500 b I’ve never talked to c Strangers could steal b Run to their aid
c 150 them about it images and use them c Didn’t see the Score a point for
4 Do you ask for your c We talk before we accident because each correct answer.
child’s permission post so we can judge you were too busy 1) a; 2) b; 3) b; 4) c; 5) a;
before you post how they feel looking at your phone 6) c; 7) b; 8) All three;
a picture of them? 9) a; 10) b
a No, they don’t mind
– they love counting
the ‘likes’ they get
Illustration: Peskimo
b I have never thought
about it
c Yes, in the interest of
protecting their privacy
Sharenting: the facts Do you sharent as well as you parent?

Source: http://parentzone.org.uk/article/average-parent-shares- It’s illegal in France, but that doesn’t necessarily mean children are little, it’s down the doors of family life, check
71% 9% 21% 13% 32%

almost-1500-images-their-child-online-their-5th-birthday ouris in in t t’s t you want to include their loved to you to decide what images you are keeping them safe.
practice of sharing those ones and friends. Check your you share. How do you think Are they traceable because
parenting moments that privacy settings are set to they will feel when they’re old you’ve left location-tagging
would once have stayed ‘friends only’ if you don’t enough to have an opinion? turned on the images? Are
of parents of parents of parents have say they share of parents have between you and your family, want the world to see them; In the end, only you can make they in school uniform, letting
upload five or shared an set up a social- photos of their never asked but are now broadcast to a though remember, any images that judgement call. the world know where your
more images image of media account children to gain their child if it’s potentially global audience. can be screen shot and passed
on without your knowledge. Vlog on?
i r n r fi ys w k
We tell our children to think
of their child their child for their child social media OK to share a Who are you sharing If you decide to join the before they share. The same
each week on in the womb followers photo of them family pictures with? Does your child care? thousands of parents who advice applies to parents.
social media When you decide to share a It’s easy once they’re old are vlogging, blogging and Vicki Shotbolt,
picture with your loved ones, enough to ask, but when generally throwing open CEO Parent Zone
Source: Survey for Channel 4 News/Parent Zone, May 2017 with 1002 UK parents around the UK

Younger children
Meet the characters What is the internet?

We asked some little people to tell us
Tommy the tablet Sally the smartphone
Tommy is a fun-loving, Sally is a clever
happy tablet who starts smartphone who loves
life in a lonely box before helping others. Her best
is fin y ou t y friend is Tommy and she
a boy called Angus. wi w ys onfi in i
if anything goes wrong.
“The internet
comes from
the computer
where you go
tap, tap, tap!”
Once upon a Ellen, 4
virtual time
The internet
does quite a lot of
things. It lets you
send messages
and even talk to
Vodafone and Parent Zone have created characters people using it”
to teach online safety to primary school children Theo, 5
“It helps you

go to different
places and
play games”
Idrees, 4
“It’s what
you use to
play games
on different
devices. You
can watch
C
YouTube and
hildren are never with Parent Zone. As the name challenges of the digital world in Each story features two main The messages in the stories play games
too young to learn suggests, Story Time will involve a fun and age-appropriate way. characters, Tommy the tablet will encourage children to think that need Wi-Fi.
the importance of volunteers visiting primary Two stories have been written and Sally the smartphone, about the potential effects of ou can find It is kept on
keeping safe online. schools throughout the UK for the scheme, one for lower and their owners, Annie and what they do online, and how things like the cloud”
While the advice and reading pupils a specially and one for upper-level primary Angus. The devices are feeling to make things right if they’ve sports and
they receive will written story about being school children, each delivering under the weather because made a mistake. All in a fun Sonny, 6
do it on the
vary depending on their age, safe and sensible online. a crucial message relating to the of something their owner and happy environment.
it’s vital to teach them key Stories are an important online world. Teachers, parents has done online.
computer”
messages as early as possible, way of developing children’s and carers will be encouraged Each character’s ailment is You can share Tommy and Jacob, 3½
in language they understand. interaction with the world, so to support the messages, and different, allowing children Sally’s adventures by
Which is why Vodafone is combining such an important make sure children know where to spot similar experiences downloading the story at
launching its new in-school topic with an exciting narrative to fin if t y r r in they may have had online https://parentzone.org.uk/
initiative, Story Time, created will help them learn about the a tricky situation online. with their own devices. vodafone-story-time

PSHE in school
Preparing your child

for a digital future The skills and attributes PSHE
develops will support young people
Parents of secondary school children will have heard online and of ine ssertiveness for
the term, but what is PSHE? And how can it help example, could help your child exit a
risky online chat, but will also improve
build your child’s digital resilience? Jonathan Baggaley, their chances in a job interview.
CEO of the PSHE Association, explains Developing resilience will help
them bounce back from setbacks such
What is PSHE education? through to gender equality and as poor exam results, but also help
Personal, social, health and economic extremism, by way of careers them deal with the pressures of
(PSHE) education helps equip pupils education and personal finance constantly connected social media.
with the skills and knowledge that
they will need to thrive at school How does PSHE prepare young Isn’t online safety covered
and beyond. people for our digital world? in the computing
It supports children and young Digital technology is integrated into curriculum?
people to be healthy, safe and many areas of our life, so a good spects of online safet
prepared for adulthood by dealing quality PSHE curriculum needs to can be covered in
with real-life issues that affect them, develop young people’s knowledge
their families and their communities. and understanding of the digital world PSHE, SRE or
PSHE covers a diverse range of – from safe online relationships to RSE? Education
topics, from sexting and cyberbullying mental health and media literacy. explained
PSHE
Personal, social, health
and economic education
(PSHE) is a school subject
through which pupils
develop the knowledge,
skills and attributes they
need to keep themselves
healthy and safe, and
prepare for life and work
in modern Britain.
SRE
Sex and relationship
TOP education (SRE) is part
TIP However, sometimes there is little of the wider PSHE
information to go on. curriculum, dealing with
The National Curriculum suggests the emotional, social
How can I support my that ‘all schools should make provision and physical aspects of
child with what they’ve for PSHE, drawing on good practice’. growing up, relationships,
learned through PSHE? The Department for Education sex, human sexuality
It’s important that learning computing lessons, including announced it will open a consultation and sexual health.
about things such as online an understanding of ways to use on whether to strengthen this
safety, digital resilience technology safely and securely. expectation further, in recognition RSE
and healthy relationships However, the online world is more that not all schools cover it well. Relationship and sex
is a partnership between complex and nuanced. PSHE education education (RSE) was the
parents and schools. goes beyond the technological to For more information about term used by education
Talk to your school about focus on the more human, social and PSHE education, go to secretary Justine Greening
what they’re teaching in emotional aspects of online life. www.pshe-association.org.uk in March 2017 when she
Illustration: Ian Dutnall
n w n ou’ fin announced government

information to support How do I know if PSHE education plans to make sex
your children’s education is taught well in my child’s school? education compulsory
about the digital world at Schools have an obligation to publish in all schools in England
www.thinkuknow.co.uk details of their curricula on their and Wales.
and www.parentinfo.org website, including PSHE provision.

Helping families
“Give our Opening up the world

Children and young people with special educational needs (SEN) or physical
is i iti s r n fittin fro t rowin r n of i s n softw r
young people for weeks on end.

He uses technology
to make sense of
experiences that have
the necessary
made him scared
or uncomfortable.”
A helping hand
guidance and
The development of
assistive technology
(AT), has helped
children who would
otherwise struggle
allow them
Dexter and to keep up with their
his son Soleil peers and maintain
their independence,
S chool days can be particularly tough

for those with mental or physical
which in turn increases their self-
onfi n n k st oti t
room to explore”
challenges. But technology is making “Technology has become an essential
a difference, helping young people teaching tool in the classroom,” says
get on with everyday tasks, or simply Laurel Fleck, a deputy head teacher
enjoy themselves, without being from north London. “It can improve
Ask nicely singled out as being different. concentration and engagement
Young people will soon need for a whole class, a small group or
their parents’ permission Learning about life online individual teaching. It can be used
to join social media sites Four-year-old Soleil from West London effectively to assist children who
is autistic. His father Dexter told us, need extra help, such as touch-typing
The General Data Protection “Soleil absolutely loves technology. apps for children with dyslexia.”
Digital Parenting asks the minister Regulation (GDPR) comes into He goes online for entertainment, As technology develops, the world
but so us s it to fin t in s out of learning looks set to open up for
of state for digital, Matt Hancock, force in 2018. The legislation
and to regulate himself. a generation previously denied the
stipulates that anyone under
about government plans for 16 will need parental consent “While he loves watching cartoons, chance to pursue their dreams.
keeping our children safe online before signing up to online other videos can help him understand For more information and advice:
services, including social media. and become comfortable with a tricky • British Assistive Technology
EU member states can set the ri n ’s in t of in wor Association www.bataonline.org
If you could do one thing tomorrow request, to look at the effectiveness websites. We have put e-safety limit at a lower age, as long as “ or , on fir ri • SENDirect www.sendirect.org.uk/
to improve the online lives of UK of famil friendl filters and in front and centre in the computing it’s not below 13, and the UK at nursery, which he hated due to the categories/education-learning
children, what would it be? particular, to make sure they are not curriculum, to make sure our young government is considering loud noises. Once he got home, he went • The National Autistic Society
Simply being aware of the dangers will inadvertentl filtering out content people are digitally savvy and can stay what age this should be. on in n w t i os of fir alarms www.autism.org.uk
make the most difference. Yes, the that actually helps our young people, safe both at home and elsewhere. “The UK is world-leading when
online world contains many hidden such as providing important advice
risks, but there are also dangers in the on topics like suicide prevention What is the government doing
it comes to child internet safety,” Accessibility services for your child from Vodafone
says Matt Hancock. “I am not We want everyone to be able to use mobile technology. If your child has
of ine orld and e don t address and bullying. to help families adapt to raising aware of any other country that accessibility requirements, we provide a range of services that can help
those b severel limiting children s children in a digital world? has introduced family-friendly
freedom – we give our young people How can schools help to build We have already shown our filters at net or level as e • Next Generation Text • Specialist handsets For more information
the necessary guidance and allow children’s digital resilience? commitment to keeping children safe have, that has legislated to Relay Translates voice Designed to help with about the accessibility
them room to e plore hat s ho Schools already offer strong support online by introducing the most robust introduce age verification to to text and text to voice a child s specific needs services available, see
we should approach online risks, to parents and children alike, but internet child-protection measures protect children from accessing • SMS emergency calls • SignVideo Gives www.vodafone.co.uk/
too. The internet is full of fantastic we are encouraging a number of any country in the world. We have pornographic material, or that Allows you to text 999 British Sign Language accessibility-services
opportunities for children to learn of new initiatives that will help. ended the easy availability of adult works so closely with industry to in an emergency (BSL) users free access here ou ll find videos
and gro and e d hate for them to Parent Info, for example, an content by giving parents control deliver effective solutions. The • 195 free directory to an online interpreter and advice, as well as
miss out t s all about ma ing sure initiative delivered by the Child of what their children can access GDPR is a great step towards enquires For the blind if you need to contact us a webchat link to our
children feel confident and safe online Exploitation and Online Protection through famil friendl filters and making the UK the safest place or partially sighted • Third party bill advisors. Alternatively,
but still have the freedom to develop. Centre (CEOP) and Parent Zone, by making it a legal requirement for • Dedicated call-centre management you can call our
Images: Getty
in the world to go online.”

For that reason, the UK Council for regularly collates the latest expert those delivering adult content to team Specialised team • Bills in large print specialist team on
Child Internet Safety (UKCCIS) set up information, which can then be ensure it is safely behind an age offering help and support and Braille 0333 304 3222.
a or ing group at the government s uploaded for free onto schools verification control

Helping families
It’s about educating children,

parents and the whole community
Helping one another
about how they can make good Tessy Ojo, of i n w r , s ri s t
decisions online, and about applying or nis tion’s r t work inst y r u yin n
critical thinking to what they see its nti u yin ss ors ro r
and what they read.
tools to support their peers
Reaching millions of families and the ability to regulate
The last issue of Digital Parenting t ir own iour
was sent out to 1.5 million families. n rtn rs i wit
I’m immensely proud of the fact it’s o fon , i n w r
had such a tremendous impact. so i rs t tron
I’ve received some great feedback Online Ambassadors
from people I’ve bumped into – not Programme. These
just parents, but people who are ambassadors lead
e perts in the field ho sa ve int r ti s ssions wit
read your latest version and it’s students in schools and
great; it’s got some really good run w o s oo
information in there.” w r n ss i ns to
increase their peers’ digital
A ll forms of bullying
can have a lasting
impact on a young person’s
enable and support young
people to take positive
social action on issues
resilience – the capacity to
o wit rsity on in
y r u yin is
More than onfi n , s f st n that affect them. distressing for any young
4 million copies mental health. Unlike other ur r nti u yin rson ut t y on’t
of Digital Parenting u yin , y r u yin n’t Ambassadors Programme have to suffer in silence.
have been distributed be left at the school gate – s s n or t n ,
to families since its it has an impact on a young young people trained as or infor tion, o
launch in 2009 rson’s on in if , w i nti u yin s in t ir to bestrongonline.
n’t si y swit off s oo s, o uniti s antibullyingpro.com
tt rt of our work is and online. Our training i n w r su ort
the belief that young people ow rs youn o centre also has advice
We need to be
are the best instigators of and staff to change for children and young
Did you know? r , sust in n in ttitu s, iours n people. Go to www.
Vodafone devices have It’s helped my family, too the lives of other young the culture of bullying. antibullyingpro.com/
I had a conversation with one of o r for , w It gives young people the support-centre
a content bar, which blocks my children the other day about
doing our bit

access to websites with a singing app she’d been using. We
18+-rated material. This talked about the settings and she Vodafone’s #BeStrong anti-bullying emojis help
is turned on by default realised she hadn’t set them up in children and young people support friends who
the safest way. I knew what to look have been bullied. Download them from
and can only be disabled for and how to sort it out. I don’t www.vodafone.com/be-strong-online-emojis
if someone 18 or older think I’d have been able to do that
gets in touch with us and Helen Lamprell, Corporate & External if I hadn’t read this magazine.
requests that it be turned
off. Any listed child-abuse
Affairs Director of Vodafone UK, explains
why Digital Parenting magazine, now in its
It also helped me to have a
conversation with her in a way that
means she will tell me in the future
r o
,t
n y s t
ottis nti
bullying charity.
3
fin t
Turn off location
settings so bullies can’t
in t r wor
sites are blocked via the sixth edition, is more important than ever if anything goes wrong. I think it’s What you
1 t so i i
4 o k us rs on s, or
D
Internet Watch Foundation, really important not to punish your
can do accounts to private the phone numbers of
which is updated daily. igital Parenting is about is still a big, live issue and we need children when they’ve made an and help them delete anyone bullying them via
giving people the practical, to be doing our bit.’ innocent mistake or done something offensive comments. text messages.
expert advice that will help
them when it comes to
talking to their children
The debate around how quickly
social media sites should be taking
down offensive content, for example,
stupid. If you do, they’re never going
to come and tell you again if they
get into trouble.
2 Go through abusive
messages or images
n sk t to s ow you
5 If the cyberbullies go
to your i ’s s oo ,
inform t r, n sk
about the online world. It also informs reminds you of the importance and i r n n worri any they receive in the them for help to implement
tty
them of the technology they need relevance of what we do. My one piece of advice that by telling their parents future. If messages or a plan of action.
ry to k
to be talking to their children about. earning ho to turn off notifications t y wi nn fro images can be construed
It can be easy to say, ‘Well, we’ve Digital resilience is key is one of the things that all parents social media or their devices si ,k o i s, For more information on
been doing this a long time, do we We have to help children understand and their children can benefit from wi t k n w y ssur t s, ti s, i t is n w t to o if you
need to do it again?’ how they can keep safe, what can It’s really annoying if the phones all them that this isn’t the addresses or phone think your child is bullying
s
Then you look at the way things happen online that could cause them ping at the same time in the family s nst , o t rou numbers and take them so on s , o to
move forward and think, ‘Yes, this stress, and how to deal with it. WhatsApp group. these useful tips as to the police. www.respectme.org.uk

Relationships
P
ornography, violent
video games, derogatory
comments on social
by these ideas might not state them
outright, but they spread through
things like jokes, and people being
1 Challenge the
attitude or behaviour
without shaming them.
views do have an impact
on teenagers, even if
they might not admit it.
they feel insecure about
their own masculinity.
Think about how you
What you
media, and sexualised
music videos and lyrics
can all spread negative
given kudos if they act in line with
them – or put down if they don’t.
Research suggests that when
can do
You could mention how
eas it is to be in uenced
by things we see online.
3 rush offs can oor
us (‘Lighten up’; ‘I’m
not hurting anyone,
might build their identity
and confidence around
more positive things
messages about sex,
and about girls and boys. These
peer groups take on these views,
harassment and abuse are more 2 Don’t worry if your
child is defensive.
relax!’). Maybe have a
response or two lined
(like sport, friendship,
creativity, etc).
messages can harm young people,
making it harder for them to develop
and enjoy good relationships with
likely, and it makes it harder for
both girls and boys to enjoy equal
relationships with each other.
Even when people argue
back, they often still
mentally shift their
up to challenge any,
drawing attention to
how people on the end
6 Talk to your child
about pornography
and how it can get in the
one another. thinking, and parents’ of such behaviour feel way of people having
What should I look out for? and pointing out that good relationships by
These messages include: Some signs your teenager or their resisting negative ideas offering unrealistic
Sexiness is about how someone friends are giving these ideas air-time: is a strength. ideas about sex and
looks, rather than their character
or the personal connection
It’s cool or normal for boys to be
Sharing jokes or comments online
about sex that’s not consensual or
mutually enjoyable
4 Explore with them
how they might ‘call
out’, or step out of, sexist
relationships.
7 You could also talk

to your child’s school
sexually pushy, or manipulative (eg Online chats discussing people or negative peer-talk. or college. Find out what
pretending they have feelings for a girl)
Girls shouldn’t be too sexual (for
example, girls getting called names
as sex objects, with no apparent
respect for their thoughts or feelings
(including comments like ‘I’d do her’)
5 Research shows that
boys are more likely
to share sexist jokes if
they do to promote
a safe culture, and
ask your child how
if they’re suspected of having sex) Frequently rating and comparing teachers respond to
Sexual activity is mainly about people on their sex appeal or sexist behaviour. How
satisfying male sexual desire sexual behaviour is sex and relationships
Being gay, bisexual or transgender Glamorising things like education taught?
is not normal, or OK
oung people ho are in uenced
pornography, and sex that’s the
result of persuasion or coercion. 8 If the school doesn’t
seem to have a
thoughtful and effective
approach, encourage
Is your child
them to rise to their
responsibilities – and
invite other parents
to talk to them too, to
in uenced
emphasise the point.
by harmful
sexual
messages
online?
Illustration: Bratislav Milenkovic
For more information and advice, see

Clinical psychologist Thinkuknow from CEOP, the National
Elly Hanson offers some Crime Agency’s Child Exploitation
useful tips and advice for parents and Online Protection command
www.thinkuknow.co.uk/parents

Screentime
Screen time and children with

TOP
3-4 year- special educational needs TIP
olds spend and disabilities (SEND)
an average of For some families digital media
provides a safe place to pla hen
8h 18mins a safet in the orld outside isn t How much
week online guaranteed e intervie ed is too much?
families ith children ith special Rather than timing how
educational needs and found that long your child spends
arents and children turn to on screen, consider their
digital media for a variet of screen use in the wider
reasons including much valued context of their life.
respite and calm Ask yourself,
arents siblings and children is your child:
ith special educational needs Eating and
can pla games together providing sleeping enough Are you a tech role model?
opportunities to enjo and engage Physically healthy How can parents help their children to control
ssistive technolog li e digital Connecting socially their tech time if we struggle to control our own,
icture change ommunication with friends and family asks Parent Zone CEO, Vicki Shotbolt
stems helps man families – whether with
ith children ith special needs
participate in famil life
technology or not
Engaged in and doing
well at school
M y phone is my alarm
clock and, with a teenage
son, I like to have it close at all
Do your children ever ask
you to put your device down?
Have you ever found yourself
Enjoying and pursuing times so that if he gets stuck not really listening to what
hobbies and interests – late at night, I can spring into your child is saying because
again, whether with action and kick his dad out you’re looking at your phone?
technology or not of bed to pick him up. Your children will see how
What you I also have my phone beside you use technology and they
can do Find out more at me when I watch television, will copy you, disregarding
www.parenting.digital and it’s in my pocket when any guidance you give them if
I walk the dog. they see that the rules you set
But, like many parents, for them are different to the
I worry that technology has standards you set for yourself.
Ask yourself the following questions: become too big a part of
1 Here are some simple
Quality is key
Do you think what your child my family life. And not just
is looking at on their screen is about the amount of time steps to make sure tech
imaginative, or provides opportunities my son spends online – doesn’t nudge out some
for them to learn or be creative? the amount that I do, too. of the other things that
2 o s it ffir your i ’s own

culture or, perhaps, introduce
According to Ofcom
research, two-thirds of adults
make family life special.
1 urn off notifications to
Source: Ofcom report - Children and Parents: Media Use and Attitudes; Images: Getty
them to other lives and experiences? with social media accounts avoid that constant ping
As part of a research project for the London School of Economics and Political Science,
Sonia Livingstone and Alicia Blum-Ross have been speaking to parents about the
controversial issue of screen time. Here’s what they’ve learned
3 Is your child responding positively
– perhaps with concentration,
or play, or social interaction, or
are checking them more than
once a day, increasing to 85%
of 16-24-year-olds. We spend
2 se an alarm cloc so
ou don t have devices
in the bedroom
I
thoughtful questions? more than 21 hours a week eep our phone on
Screen ‘time’ is not created equal, on the internet. It’s a bit like silent in our poc et
n our research with parents, of Pediatrics were heavy-handed risks, it also indicates that they but varies enormously by the context chocolate – we know we’re or bag hen ou pic the
we’ve been struck that, no and included no screen time at miss out on opportunities. of how it is used, the content that is having more than we should, ids up from school
matter how different their
family circumstances are,
parents nearly all watch the
all for under-2s, but this has now
been revised.
Today, many experts agree that
If you are open to improving
your own digital skills, and don’t
allow yourself to be scared off by
engaged with, and the connections
it fosters (or fails to). Helping parents
keep sight of this, and helping them
but it’s really hard to cut back.
Yet, although we might feel
guilty about the amount of
4 ot all families eat meals
at the dinner table so a
no phones at the table rule
clock when it comes to their it isn’t the amount of time with technology, you will be better able balance their hopes and fears, is time we spend on technology, on t or for ever one
children’s screen time. Whatever media that’s important, but the to support your children when they what really matters. it is fundamentally a wonderful tr a no phones bet een
the activity, be it chatting with friends, quality of the time spent. do (inevitably) run into some form thing for families. So how do and pm rule instead
downloading music, doing homework
or Skyping Granny, parents lump
it together as ‘screen time’ – and
Nor do they agree that digital
media is always harmful and needs
to be restricted, or that allowing
of trouble.
Talk with your kids about what they
are doing, learning or struggling with, The LSE has produced an infographic for parents on the positive use
we deal with the guilt and
resume control? 5 ome radical fol s have
famil tech free da s
then worry about it. children screen time makes rather than simply telling them to ‘turn of screen time. It includes learning to code, watching educational
someone a bad parent. it off’. Encourage their interests and videos, and even playing video games, which can help reading and “Have you ever found yourself not really
What should parents do? Although research shows that try to understand them yourself by writing skills, with the average text in popular video games being listening to what your child is saying
The original ‘rules’ concerning screen when parents restrict internet use, asking questions, or joining in, with four grades higher than the text in newspapers. View the PDF at: because you’re looking at your phone?”
time from the American Academy their children are exposed to fewer what they’re doing. www.dmlcentral.net/screen-time-kids-getting-balance-right

Cybercrime
Phishing , on in in i w s Clickjacking What you can do

is in o s f k i s skin s nt to t n rs w o w r out This is a malicious technique Warn your child to be careful what
for your s urity infor tion n to st rt uni rsity so n youn frequently found on social media. they click on. With clickjacking
rson t is y r usu y o n t r t The links are designed to be highly links, there is often something
i yt tin oft n rin r, no nk or institution clickable, luring you in with an suspicious if you look closely –
to fro offi i sour s, off rin wi ont t you y i n sk amazing offer or fake sensationalist like a spelling mistake or a logo
t r t s or s i ’ stu nt you to nt r your rson n celebrity gossip. that isn’t quite right. An offer that
r nts , or i y on in in , fro fin n i t i s on in Once you click on the link, they is too good to be true often is. If it
r o ny you y n What you can do will generally take you through to doesn’t seem right, don’t click on it.
ount wit us so ny f you r i ss ik t is, other sites, asking you for personal
o o t it f you r worri out n information. Once activated, these
is wi oft n in t for of outst n in in oi i , ont t links may download malware or
i you w r n’t tin n t r nt o ny t rou t ir ransomware, allowing criminals
sk for your nk t i s n or w sit s, ut n r t rou t to take over your device.
ount sswor s n , for ont t inks s nt in t i
Keep Passwords
Be unique
Teach your child to create strong, unique
out!
passwords for each device and service they use
– games, social media, forums. The same goes for
int rn t n toys ny us u toot n r s t
passwords that are easily hackable, such as 0000 or 1234.
Change these as a matter of course.
elfish is good
Tell them not to share their passwords with anyone.
ri in s r fin in Use ‘passphrases’, not passwords
in r sin y so isti t on r sswor s r iffi u t to r r o, r t
w ys to t you n a ‘passphrase’ using three random words together.
your f i y to rt wit Complicate things
Symbols, numbers, and combinations
rson t i s or s of upper and lower case can also
on in Ann-Marie be used for added security.
Corvin s ri s t ir
t o s, n ow
you n sto t
Ratting or i s n u tion Cyber attacks What you can do

in o ’ k rs foo us rs on t rk Large corporations and institutions, Ransomware attacks prey on
into own o in i of What you can do including the NHS, have fallen prey the vulnerability of machines
softw r on to t ir o ut r nsur your f i y o ut r’s to hackers unleashing malicious running unsupported older
ot ss ro n fir w is swit on n inst ransomware programmes that operating systems.
, w i t n t k s o r t ir s urity softw r t t off rs lock companies or individuals out Protect your family at home
w is in i s or w r n s yw r rot tion of their computers until a ransom by running operating system
i k k inks oft n i t on your f i y’s i s has been paid. (Although, even and security updates as soon
t ns r o on t ni u s is your i to own o then, you may never recover your s you r notifi out t ,
for s r in t o s fro r ut sit s on y fi s wo y rs o, w known usin fir w s n nti irus
ns r y own o in ink r fu y out in educational toymaker was also software, and by being cautious
on in s w n i s in hacked by criminals, resulting when opening emails.
Illustration: Romualdo Faura
n ri in s ss to roo s n ri t r s, in parents’ and children’s data

t w , t y n st rt s yin or fo ow t o ’s being stolen.
on n fi in t i ’s us r w s i tur wit sti k r
i ti s n t n k i , o rin t r on is i
Further information
Get Safe Online:
www.getsafeonline.org
28 i it r ntin The digital resilience issue vodafone.com/parents 29

Self esteem
Social media, Never too young to
body image and

boost bod confidence
Minnie and Max Are OK! is a lovely book
aimed at promoting self-esteem in
the pressure to
children from three to seven years old.
“Celebrity culture, social networking
n t ris of t fi t r s fi is
impacting on our young people,”
look ‘just right’

says co-author Nicky Hutchinson.
“We need to start building body
onfi n s youn s ossi
Social media can be a positive tool to help Minnie and Max Are OK! by Chris
Calland and Nicky Hutchinson
young people develop. But constantly is published by Jessica Kingsley.
chasing ‘likes’ can make them feel insecure.
Psychologist Dr Linda Papadopoulos is
r to you fin t ri t n
78%
of 10-12-year-olds in the UK
WhatsApp
What’s it good for? Chatting with
friends, arranging meet-ups, helping
have social media accounts
M
49%
mates with homework.
Cause for concern? Could be used to
any social live up to their own creations, and bully, belittle or freeze someone out.
media their images are often driven by What you
of under-13s have
a Facebook account
platforms achieving unrealistic social media can do
bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/latestnews/2016/newsround-survey-social-media; The Power of

offer brilliant hashtags, such as #bikinibridge
the Image Report for Safer Internet Day 2017, UKCCIS. Additional reporting: Eleanor Levy
41%
are on Instagram Dr Linda
and exciting
services.
They remove
the physical barriers to social
or #thighgap.
It’s not a new phenomenon to
be concerned about how others
see us, but the ability to ask for We need to talk to our to focus on other
Instagram
What’s it good for? Sharing images of
40%
people and special moments, following
Papadopoulos connections and allow us to share opinions and call on our peers children about the attributes other than
celebrities, showing off your creativity.
is an ambassador things that matter to us. for constant feedback is. This impact of seeking their appearance.
Cause for concern? Pressure to look
for Internet Matters. They help young people explore preoccupation with how other approval from the online We also need to stress
aged 8-17 years said they good; unreal expectations of beauty
For information new ideas, and have the power to people react to what we post world, and comparing the potential effects that
have received negative or body image; negative comments.
on how to keep motivate people and action social can lead young people to feel their lives to the edited constant communication
comments on a photo children safe change. We want our children to unsure about their value. versions of other can have on their sleep
they’ve posted online, visit tap into these positives. Constant posting may also people’s lives. and their health, and
35%
www.internet However, social media now acts open them up to receiving more We must help them help them make more
matters.org as an outlet for defining ho e negative comments online than mentally disconnect informed choices about
are, and as a tool for comparing compliments. They are also from the constructed physically disconnecting Snapchat
of boys and our lives with others’ – which can performing to an audience identities they’ve created by switching off at night. What’s it good for? Sharing photos,
51%
have a direct effect on self-worth they don’t necessarily know, online and allow them We must value their in u wit funny fi t rs,
and self-esteem. which leaves them vulnerable. to gain the freedom to mental health as building friendships.
elfie culture means oung So, while there are many know who they really are. much as their physical Cause for concern? Ethereal nature
of girls aged 8-17 worry people are fi ing themselves b benefits to social media it s As parents, we can wellbeing, and help them of Snaps means people may share
about how attractive editing and re-editing their images important that we discuss with help remind them not to learn to use social media unwise images thinking they will
they look when they to get maximum approval. But, our kids the importance of put all their self-esteem as a tool for growth disappear, but they can be screen
share photos online more often than not, they cannot using it in a healthy way. eggs in one basket, and and development. shot and saved and shared by others.

Sharing images
What you
can do
1 Show your child this article.

Then discuss with them that
the law exists to protect them
4 If you discover a fellow
pupil has shared a sexual
image of your child, talk to the
Why do from unscrupulous or controlling
adults, not to stop them having fun.
school’s safeguarding lead or
a teacher you trust. They will
children do it?
Although many adults are involved
in s tin , r nts n fin it iffi u t
2 Most young people know that
nude images can be screen
shot and shared, but they think
refer the incident to the correct
person and follow these
guidelines for dealing with it.
to understand why their children would it won’t happen to them because Then give your child a hug and
ut t s s t t risk of in s u Sexting is illegal – but that doesn’t they trust the people they are let them know you still love
images shared. Here are some reasons: mean a criminal conviction sharing them with. Encourage them and will support them.
o t ik s n fo ows on so i i Even though it’s legal to have sex at them to question why people
o t ositi o nts fro ot rs 16, it is illegal to create or share want these images, and think When to call the police
To explore their burgeoning sexuality sexually explicit images of people about what they would do if f you fin out n u t s
They believe everyone is doing it under the age of 18, even if the they fell into the wrong hands. shared a sexual image with
They are put under pressure
by partners to ‘prove’ how
much they love them
person in the picture is you.
The law was designed to protect
children – in the UK, this is anyone
3 Boost your child’s self-esteem
so that they don’t need to seek
the approval from others to feel
your child, has shared one
of your child, or asked them
to send them one, you can
under the age of 18 – from adult sexual good about their bodies or how report it to CEOP at www.ceop.
predators, not to criminalise teenagers attractive they are. police.uk/safety-centre
for exploring their sexual feelings.
Previously, if a school found out
pupils under 18 had been sharing such How might this work in real life?
images, even consensually between
1 2
Sexting: the new rules
partners, they had to inform the police. A pupil tells a teacher A 15-year-old boy and
The guidance now advises that if that her 13-year-old 16-year-old girl who have
the school believes that coercion or friend has been sent a naked been going out for a year
abuse has not occurred, they can image of a boy and is upset. have been sending each
handle the incident internally. The teacher refers this other semi-naked images.
If the school does refer the incident to the school’s designated A teacher refers the
New guidance helps schools deal with youth-produced sexual imagery, says Megan Rose to the police, they will investigate and safeguarding lead who then incident to the designated
it may result in a criminal conviction talks to the girl. Her parents safeguarding lead, who talks
P
or, more likely, become what is known are invited into school and to them separately, and is
arents would be forgiven pictures of themselves, with 3% saying The UK Council for Child Internet as an outcome 21. it’s established that the satisfied that neither as
for thinking there is an they had taken naked shots. Of those Safety has published new guidelines image was sent by a boy coerced or harmed, so tells
epidemic of sexting who had taken sexual images, 55% for teachers on how to deal with Outcome 21 the girl met outside of the parents but doesn’t
among young people. had then shared them with others. se ting incidents ere s hat parents Even though a young school. The girl is asked to involve the police. The pupils
Additonal information: Eleanor Levy

Lurid headlines paint But, even if the vast majority of need to know about them. person has broken the disclose the details of the are told of the law relating
a picture of a highly children and oung people aren t law and the police could boy, which the school pass to creating and sharing
sexualised generation sharing nudes the pressures from What is sexting? on to the police. Her parents youth-produced sexual
provide evidence that
sharing nude or semi-naked images them to do so are there, with six out In the guidance, the term sexting is are informed about further imagery, and their parents
of themselves via their mobile phones. of 10 saying they have been asked replaced with the term youth-produced
they have done so, the support made available to are signposted to further
In fact, a study from the NSPCC and for them. And, as incidents often come sexual imagery. This refers to images police can record that them and their daughter. support and information.
Image: Getty
ffice of the hildren s ommissioner to light when pupils share images and video footage that is either owned, they chose not to take
England, found that around one in at school it s often teachers ho shared or created by young people further action as it was
eight children (13%) had taken topless have to deal with the situation. under the age of 18. not in the public interest.

Live streaming
Broadcasting live What you

i s o i str in s r ’s w t r nts s ou can do
know out t
T
first w w s X Factor appeal Should I be concerned? or u i on in s s n t n Take an interest in the apps your child
us t ri or n r tion of t ns rou t us i str in s r o r tions i unti t y uses, as many, such as Facebook, that
ni rsity in u on s ows ik tor n inst nt, t r is no o r tion o n rsu t to t k t ir r n’t ri ri y i str in s,
to i str ot n y y s ss , t s s on is w t in o r w t your i o uni tion into ri t , now t t f i ity i t ots
of off , so o off r t t n to st r in is oin in front of ot rs, or w t un o r t s r i of o ortuniti s to t you if nyt in
ou s w n it t ir ry own r ity s ow t os w t in r oin to t n if you on’t know your i is trou in t y skin u stions
n to r fi s in t ri t w y, t y so uttin yours f out t r ns is usin i str in s, w rn Help them set up privacy settings
s ys, i str in s ow i r n n youn o owin ot rs to o nt on w t t of t n rs of oin so i itin t o w o n int r t wit
ow us rs to t or ro st to to r tis t ir o uni tion you do and who you are. If comments s wit ny on in s r i in w i t to t os t y know in r if
ot r o in r ti yr n n r s nt tion ski s, n oost r n ti , or n if you f you t y’r int r tin wit ot r Drum into them the importance of not
fro t os ri ri y si n for t ir onfi n r not ttin nou ik s, it n o , you s ou so is t giving away any details t t ou ow
t kin to fri n s n f i y, su or t os w o us s to k you f out yours f not to i nyt in w y t t wi o to fin t in r if , su s
s ky , to st t n you r ti , su s s rin sin in i str in wit str n rs i ntify t ir fu n ,w r t y o tion infor tion, s oo or r ss
to s r o nts in your if or n in rfor n s, t y is in r nt y risky, ut your i i , n out, or o to s oo Make sure they know how to report any
wit wi r on in u i n , su so ro i i i t f k, i t not t ink t ir on in fri n t ow to o k n harassment to t our oo s s tion
s usi y or ook i s ny s off r t os w t in is str n r, so ou rsu r ort on ny s r i t y us on f n ut k s s u ro ,
ut u s ttin s s in o in so t n to sk u stions, to o t in s t y wou n’t nor y, and make sure they have a trusted t y s ou t you or not r trust
i str in s r i s n worri s o nt or s n ositi o is, su s s rin s u i s u t w o t y n onfi in s ou u t n r ort it to t i oit tion
t t u ts y usin s r i s to su s rts, to s ow t y ik u ts w o roo i r n wi so t in o wron , n if t t n n in rot tion ntr t
roo i r n, us on rn. w tt ys oft n tt in o r t rson is not you www.ceop.police.uk/ceop-report
ow r of
Three of the most popular live-streaming apps
y
33%
f r nt rn t
of 8-17
year-olds have Skype Musical.ly (13+) YouNow (13+)
broadcast via a ky w s t first wi y is k r ok sty s i str in n
live-streaming us i str in s r i ro u y o u r wit w sit t t f tur s
f ty
service n s s wn its own i r n t ows you to o u win ow t t
verb, ‘to Skype’. It has k your own i os y ows us rs to w t i
nt rn t
o o u r w y for i syn in or n in to ro sts w i ttin
i r n to k in ont t r r or usi on t to ot rs or in
i
wit f i y rs w o , w i ot r us rs s n r ti ss s for
oun i for
i f r w y ou n k ss s or o nt t’s the broadcaster. It’s free
n r i i i o s r t its own ou u r to use, but you can pay to
for fr n on rs tions sty st rs, in u in t n irtu y ti ’ ro st rs,
can’t be recorded. There twins n r y i s w i o u r ro st rs
y
are, however, ways to keep r in it to off r i
ts wit out t ot r for su s ri tion to us rs
nor
rson knowin , in u in isit our oo s s tion on
i softw r t t r or s for i on o kin
or s
your i ’s s r n, n r ortin on s,
or t rn w s in u in t s
tty
s
Tips to share
Just “I talk
one to my kids
about how to
stay safe and be
“Don’t stop your
child from going
thing… responsible online. online and don’t block

They also know that everything that might
if something upsets them or interest them.”
goes wrong, they can bring it Jess and ofia, 14 “Share your
On page 8, experts give their tips
for keeping safe online. Here,
to me and I won’t be angry. knowledge about
We can’t expect kids to tell how to keep safe and
parents and children get us about a problem if the
their chance to share response might be your expectations for kind
to punish them.” and positive behaviour.
Jenny, mum of two,
aged 6 and 9
Be a good role model in
everything, from privacy
“It’s important settings to the content
to let my 12-year- of your posts.”
old son have some “Know Katie, 12
privacy when he’s on the
computer, so he doesn’t From where your From
feel the need to hide away
or go on secretly. I show an interest
parents to
parents child goes children to
parents
in what he does and never dismiss online, what she
its value. We talk about safety
and responsibility. Realistically, is doing and
“I encourage
I can’t monitor his entire use
and, indeed, don’t want to.” my children to use who with.” “Have rules which you
Pankaj, dad of three, aged 8, 12 and 14 the internet but maintain Gwen, 11 both agree to, such as no
an interest in what they’re devices during dinner or in
doing. I stay as involved the bedroom, limited use
as I can in their online life of devices when you have
and keep an eye on where visitors, only one hour of
they go and what they screen-free time before bed,
enjoy doing the most.” and no pictures of others
“I make an Molly, mum of two, aged 4 and 9 unless they have agreed.”
effort to be on Joy, 15
the latest social-
media platforms, or “Don’t wait
at least to understand
them. Then, I’ve got a broader view until there’s
on what the risks and rewards are, a problem before
so I can have a better conversation you start talking
with my children about them.”
Adele, mum of twins, aged 9
about it.” Thanks to pupils from Alfriston
Hope, 15 School for their wise words

It’s good to talk
Awkward conversations,
and how to have them
Psychotherapist Mark Linington offers advice for tackling tricky topics
W
hen one of my talked it through with someone, such are your opinions and what are facts.
sons was 10, as a partner or friend, beforehand. The important thing is to be the secure
I sat him down Go slowly. When talking about adult who will listen, no matter what.
and had a chat pornography, for example, a couple Be someone they know they can
with him about of sentences which introduce in simple return to hen things are difficult
internet porn. language what it is can be a massive Encourage them to think critically
It didn’t go as step (something like, “Pornography about what their friends say. Young
well as I hoped. For one thing, I could is pictures or films of people doing people often talk to their friends about
see he was nervous when I asked if we something sexual together”). You can the same issues you’re concerned
could have a talk. Then, I muddled my always go back to the subject again. about. However, peer groups can be a
words. He blushed and said, “This is source of misinformation, so teaching
awkward” and we agreed we would The secure adult who listens your child to question what’s being
do it another time. Be interested in what they say. Asking said to them is an important skill for
So, don’t do what I did and have a question or two about what they life (see page 12 for more).
‘the chat’ as a special thing. Instead, think, especially with teenagers, can
fit it into a time ou are doing an help young people develop their own Mark Linington is an attachment-based
activity together, or walking or driving thoughts on a difficult subject psychotherapist who works with
somewhere. My son is now 16 and Don’t judge. If they say something children, parents and carers at special
we have had many more successful you disagree with, you can explain schools and The Bowlby Centre, London.
conversations since. I learnt my lesson. there are other ways of seeing things,
Practise. You will be calmer if you’ve but make a distinction between what
What you
can do just to let them know you’re online, can be useful ways for genitals when children
there if they need you. to start a conversation about are young, but kids who are
iffi u t su t used to using the correct
Use the news terms for body parts, and
If you think your child Finding the right words know what penis or vagina “The important thing
Turn to tech may be taking risks online, for very young children mean, are more likely to is to be the secure
Talking doesn’t just happen it may be easier to talk Cyberbullying can be recognise when someone adult who will listen,
face-to-face. If your child about something that has iffi u t to in to ry is behaving inappropriately. no matter what.
communicates with their happened to someone young children. So, rather On that point, even the Be someone they
friends by Snapchat or s first, s w y in than asking them if they’re term ‘inappropriate’ could know they can return
WhatsApp, you can do Mentioning stories being bullied, ask them if confuse younger children. to when things
the same. Apps, or good you’ve seen on TV or social anyone they’ve talked to Instead, ask about whether are di ficult
old-fashioned texting, can media, or conversations online is being mean or has someone made them have
Image: Getty
be a useful tool to follow you’ve had with other tried to make them look bad. ‘that feeling in your tummy
up a conversation without parents about things their Parents and grandparents when you know something
embarrassment, or simply children have experienced sometimes use cute terms isn’t quite right’.

Age ratings Tools and Settings
Help at
Film ratings
n r y suit for i r n
n o r
hand
n n r , s ou not uns tt
i or o r
or in fi s on y, w r
t ont nt is n r y suit
for i r n n o r, ut n
adult may take a younger child to see
t fi if t y t ink it is suit for
t ui nt r tin for s Find information on how to report and set
n u r y is s is privacy and parental controls on apps and
No one under 15 may see
online services. Compiled by Vicky Prior,
fi in in or uy editor of Vodafone Digital Parenting website
or u r y is r t www.vodafone.com/parents
B
No one under 18 may see
BBFC: the parent’s friend fi in in

or u r y is r t
or uy uilding digitally resilient children is a process that
continues as your child grows. And, even though children
are accessing the internet at an increasingly young age,
e have covered some of the main features for each service but
other safet and privac settings ma be available f our child is
approached b an adult online ho does an of the follo ing
Many parents will recognise the British Board of Film there are tools to help take care of them until they are contact CEOP immediately: www.ceop.police.uk/ceop-report
ssifi tion’s r tin sy o s fro t in Game ratings confident enough to ta e care of themselves se these al s about se or other t pes of se ual activit
or s n u r y is s r , t ir , David Austin, ince age rating video games lin s to find information about the apps and services our child s s to meet them of ine
has been the responsibilit of the is using, and how to contact the companies producing them if s s them to lie to their parents about their online relationship
explains they are now also guiding families online Video tandards ouncil V hich something goes rong ll information ill be available on the or hide it
uses the s stem for classification Digital Parenting ebsite ith lin s to the providers ebsites s s them to do something that ma es them feel uncomfortable
A t the BBFC, we age-rate content

using our classification guidelines
hich are based on large scale
House of ards on et i and
Mr. Robot on Amazon. PEGI 3 Games given this rating
r suit for rou s
public-opinion consultations. More Protecting children on their Could contain comic violence and Parental controls age-appropriate controls. get family-friendly results
than 10,000 members of the public, mobiles and tablets n tur , non s u nu ity on our computer s Earlier versions of Windows hen searching the eb
including parents and teenagers ll the s major mobile phone operating system also offer controls but the f an inappropriate search
contributed to the most recent operators restrict access to material PEGI 7 A game that would set-up process differs. result gets through, you
guidelines published in based on the F s guidelines ith nor y r t ut o fin out or can report it to Google.
Video on demand
he major video on demand V
an content accessed via or that
the F ould rate or higher being
placed behind adult filters ll phone
ont ins so
ont nt ny io n
ossi y fri t nin
ust
unr isti , oft n ir t tow r s
M ac OS and Windows
both include parental
controls that enable ou to
vodafone.uk/
microsoftwindows10
Restricted mode on
ou ube performs a similar
function to SafeSearch –
platforms also use our ratings, with contracts in the come ith these f nt sy r t rs set time limits for our child s Mac OS both can be loc ed if ou
ma on i unes and et i all carr ing filters automaticall activated re paid use and restrict access to Parental controls in macOS have a Google+ account.
F age ratings for films as ell phones are also filtered at device level PEGI 12 Games could include certain types of content. Sierra let you add a managed emember that these
as for their own content, such as b all major phone operators s u innu n o, so io n , n both operating s stems user so you can limit your Safety controls on are device-level settings,
including graphic injuries to fantasy parents can set up user child s access to age meaning you have to set
r t rs, n i n u accounts for each member appropriate ebsites and search engines them on each tablet phone
ge verification o online porn sites of the family with their own apps, decide who they or computer your child uses.
n r t t r s of t
to o into for in s rin
i it ono y t, u
,t is
PEGI 16 y f tur
a lot of death and injury to human
r t rs t ou so in u s ,
unique passwords and then
tailor the controls and
restrictions to the age and
can contact via Mail and
Messages, prevent access
to iTunes, set time limits and
S etting SafeSearch on
search engines means
that the majorit of se uall
ou can find information
about safet features on
the Google search engine,
n st r f rr r u tor to i n sw rin , ru s, s okin , oris maturity of their child. bloc use of the computer s e plicit videos and images ou ube oogle la
the role of ensuring commercial pornographic ri n o o built in camera and multi ill be filtered from search Chrome, Hangouts and
Windows player games in Game results, along with results other Google services in
s r i s ost ik y to isit y i r n PEGI 18 u t ssifi tion Windows 10 offers access Center. Earlier versions, that ma lin to e plicit the Google Safety Centre.
r oyin ro ust rifi tion to rot t could include sexual threat controls, time limits and such as Mac OS X, also content t isn t o fin out or
t fro ot nti y r fu ont nt ui n n io n , it tion, isi activity reports, including offer parental controls. reliable but it s useful vodafone.uk/google
wi u is out t s n w r u tions nit s, tortur , ow to o it ri , reports on the ebsites apps o fin out or if you have a young child. *Other search engines offer
for t y o into for is r nt n ru t kin and games your child uses. vodafone.uk/applemacos oogle s afe earch their own safe search options,
Image: Getty
You can set up individual setting enables ou to filter usu y foun un r ttin s
For more about PEGI ratings, visit user accounts with different out most adult content and or by clicking the gear icon.
www.videostandards.org.uk

Tools and Settings
Parental controls on your home internet Parental controls on your child’s How can Vodafone help?
smartphone and tablet
M ost UK broadband
providers offer free
whole-home parental controls, Vodafone
You can customise your
settings in three steps:
Choose a rating: PG, 13 or 18
you block websites that are
unsuitable for younger users.
In addition, you can install
P arental controls on
smartphones and tablets
can block access to websites
Vodafone Secure Net
protects you and your family
against harmful websites
Vodafone Content Control
prevents access to online
content and services rated
which apply to any device that Available to anyone with Use the Watershed feature to F-Secure SAFE on up to containing adult content. and viruses that could on Vodafone s mobile
connects to your broadband Vodafone Broadband, set restrictions at certain times five devices to protect our Mobile phone companies damage your mobile data network.
via your home hub. Vodafone parental controls of the day children from inappropriate can filter content rated and devices, steal your Content Control is in place
Sky’s parental controls are are free and accessible from dd specific ebsites that content, viruses, identity at the network level – check data or cause you to lose on all devices Vodafone offers.
turned on by default and you within your online account. you would like to block. theft and malicious websites with your mobile provider personal content like The age-restricted content
have to choose to turn them They protect all devices o fin out or whether they are at home hether this filter is on or off photos, music and videos. bar only works on Vodafone’s
off. If you’re with one of the connected to your Wi-Fi vodafone.uk/sky or out and about. The UK’s main mobile You can also block mobile network, not on
other broadband providers, and prevent access to o fin out or providers (e.g. Vodafone, EE, inappropriate websites by i Fi and proof of age
you turn the controls on inappropriate online content, vodafone.uk/VirginMedia O2 and Three) automatically features such as FaceTime, age on your child’s device is required if you wish to
yourself. Contact your provider such as violence, gambling, bloc rated content in-app purchases and Safari. and restrict mobile use to remove it from your device.
to find out ho to do this and adult material, as well BT through the Active Choice o fin out or certain times of the day. o fin out or
and bear in mind that these as to websites that contain BT Parental Controls let you net or level filtering s stem vodafone.uk/apples o fin out or vodafone.co.uk/control
controls only work on your viruses or malware. manage internet access on all TalkTalk But remember, these parentalcontrols https://securenet.
Wi-Fi network, not when you’re Having set up parental devices connected to your TalkTalk’s HomeSafe works filters onl or hen the vodafone.co.uk
using 3G or 4G to get online. controls from your account, BT Home Hub and BT Wi-Fi as a eb filter to all devices device is connected via the Windows Phone (eg
ou can find out more about you can use the Vodafone hotspots (for example, cafés connected to your TalkTalk mobile network, not Wi-Fi. Microsoft Lumia)
parental controls on mobile Broadband app to set up and other public spaces). router. The free package Your mobile’s operating The My Family option helps
devices on p43. a family network to control Available for free, they includes Kids Safe, which system may also include you to manage the apps and
your children’s access to include strict, moderate and lets you block inappropriate safety features and you games your child is able to
Wi-Fi at home and set time light filters an option to restrict sites you’d rather children can set restrictions on the download to their phone. You
limits. Go to Google Play or access to specific ebsites and didn’t see. You can also use App Store and Google Play can also set up Kid’s Corner
the App Store to download a homework-time setting that it for Homework Time, (see below). on your own Windows Phone
the Vodafone Broadband blocks social media, gaming restricting the hours they so that, if your child borrows
Third-party parental controls
app for free. and homework cheat websites. can go on certain websites, Android (eg LG, Sony, it, they can only access
o fin out or o fin out or while Virus Alerts lets you Samsung, Huawei, age-appropriate content
vodafone.uk/home vodafone.uk/bt browse safely. HTC, Motorola) and not get to the rest of
o fin out or
vodafone.uk/TalkTalk
The restricted user feature
lets you manage which apps,
games and other content
your stuff that you want
to keep private.
o fin out or
Y ou may decide to use
a dedicated parental
control solution to do things
Sky Virgin Media your child can access and vodafone.uk/microsoft like block inappropriate
Sky Broadband Shield works Virgin Media Web Safe works on gives you the choice of myfamily content and set time limits.
on all devices connected to any device connected to your disabling certain features, o s t u i ’s orn r Some of these require you
your Sky home broadband home Wi-Fi. Provided free in such as location and camera. vodafone.uk/kid to pay a subscription; others
and comes at no extra cost. broadband packages, it lets o fin out or are free. If you already have
vodafone.uk/cnet a security suite on your
computer, check whether
iOS (eg iPhone and iPad) it includes parental controls
You can enable restrictions as you may not need a
Parental controls in on your child’s iPhone or third-party solution. F-Secure (paid for)
your web browser iPad and select on or off for o fin out or
vodafone.uk/fsecure
Y ou can change the settings

on the browser you use to
access the internet. If you use
which ones your child has
visited, turn on SafeSearch and
prevent apps being installed.
and inappropriate content.
o fin out or
vodafone.uk/IE App store restrictions
Qustodio (free)
o fin out or
vodafone.uk/qustodio Norton Family (paid for)
more than one, don’t forget o fin out or o fin out or
to change the settings on vodafone.uk/chrome Firefox vodafone.uk/norton
each one. The parental controls in
Chrome
Supervised user accounts on
Internet Explorer
Microsoft’s Content Advisor
enables you to prevent your
Firefo filter eb content
that may be inappropriate
or offensive for children.
Y ou can set up parental
controls on the App
Store (see vodafone.uk/
to prevent your child
downloading apps that
are age inappropriate.
Kaspersky Security
Cloud (paid for)
o fin out or
McAfee (paid for)
o fin out or
Google Chrome allow you to child from seeing websites o fin out or apps) and Google Play (see vodafone.uk/kaspersky vodafone.uk/mcafee
block certain websites, see containing nudity, violence voda one uk fire o vodafone.uk/googleplay)

Tools and Settings
Safety and privacy controls o fin out or incoming calls, prevent Telling it

on social networks and apps vodafone.uk/twitter people from seeing your like it is
Snapchat o r ort on rns photos and set video-call
Minimum age: 13 vodafone.uk/TwitterReport privacy options.
M any social networks and

apps have a minimum
age of 13. Young people can Instagram
mute users in Video
Chat and block people.
o fin out or n
What can you set?
Choose who can send you
Snaps, decide who can view ASKfm
o fin out or
vodafone.uk/oovoofaqs
o r ort on rns
As tech-savvy as children
are, they’re often unaware
of what they agree to in
have a positive experience by Minimum age: 13 report concerns: your Stories and block people. Minimum age: 13 vodafone.uk/oovooreport the T&Cs of apps and other
making the most of built-in What can you set? Make vodafone.uk/Kik o fin out or What can you set? services. To highlight
tools to protect their privacy photos and videos private vodafone.uk/snapchat Allow or block anonymous this nne ongfield the
and safety. and block people. o r ort on rns questions, delete questions Children’s Commissioner
o fin out or vodafone.uk/snapchathelp and answers from your Yellow of England and Wales, had
vodafone.uk/Instagram Whisper profile and bloc people Minimum age: 13 with Instagram’s terms and
To report concerns: Minimum age: 13 with o fin out or n r ort parental permission; conditions rewritten into
Facebook vodafone.uk/InstaReport parental permission; 18 without WhatsApp on rns 18 without child-friendly language
Minimum age: 13 What can you set? Block Minimum age: 13 Twitter vodafone.uk/AskFM What can you set? b top la firm chillings
What can you set? people and hide your location. What can you set? Control Minimum age: 13 Choose who you talk to as part of its recent
Decide who sees your posts o fin out or who sees your information, What can you set? and hide your city so that Growing up Digital report.
and Timeline, unfollow, Kik vodafone.uk/ who you interact with, what Protect your tweets so that ooVoo people don’t know your o find out more
unfriend and block people. Minimum age: 13 with whispergetstarted you see and what you share. only approved followers see Minimum age: 13 exact location. see www.childrens
o fin out or n parental permission; 18 without To report concerns: o fin out or n them, choose whether to What can you set? o fin out or n commissioner.gov.uk/
report concerns: What can you set? vodafone.uk/ report concerns: share your location, unfollow, Prevent certain people r ort on rns publication/growing-
vodafone.uk/Facebook Manage who can talk to you, whispersupport vodafone.uk/WhatsApp mute and block people. from contacting you, block vodafone.uk/yellowsafety up-digital
Safe mode on video-sharing, Live-streaming

V and film services services
L ots of online services

offer video, TV and movie
content. Some use password
o fin out or
vodafone.uk/YouTube
or or out ou u i s
(Little Kids, Older Kids, Teens
and Adults/All Maturity) to
help you control what your Skype YouNow
and PIN combinations to vodafone.uk/youtubekids child watches. Sky TV Minimum age: 13 Minimum age: 13 with parental live.ly
restrict viewing, based on age o fin out or Using PIN-protected parental What can you set? Hide permission; 18 without Minimum age: 13 with
ratings. Some allow separate voda one uk net i controls, you can restrict the your age, date of birth and What can you set? Use a parental permission;
profiles for ounger users so content your child can watch gender, only allow people nickname, hide your location 18 without
they can only view child- BBC iPlayer on Sky TV. The Sky Kids app in your contact list to get and block people. What can you set? As you
friendly content (these work The Parental Guidance Lock lets ou set up a child profile in touch and block people. o fin out or need a musical.ly account
only if the adult chooses the lets you control what your Amazon Video and with shows tailored to their o fin out or vodafone.uk/YouNow to use live.ly, the settings
password and PIN and keeps
them secret). Some platforms
have dedicated children’s
child can access. The free
BBC iPlayer Kids app contains
age-appropriate content, such
Amazon Prime
Amazon’s PIN feature lets
you set purchase and viewing
age, and set time limits.
o fin out or
vodafone.uk/SkyTV
L ive-streaming platforms
let people chat or
broadcast videos in real
vodafone.uk/Skype
o r ort on rns
vodafone.uk/SkypeReport
o r ort on rns
vodafone.uk/YouNowReport
are the same as above.
o fin out or n
r ort on rns
versions, which only carry as CBeebies and CBBC, and restrictions on each of your o fin out or out ky i s time. This can create privacy vodafone.uk/musically
age-appropriate content. Look a Safety Lock, and it has no registered devices. vodafone.uk/skykids and safety issues, so check
for the Just for Kids symbol. in-app purchases or adverts. o fin out or the settings and controls Remember...
Since spring 2017, you need a vodafone.uk/amazon on each app. Periscope musical.ly f your i s s nyt in
password to access BBC iPlayer. on ro u s s i i Minimum age: 13 Minimum age: 13 with parental in ro ri t or s u on
o fin out or fri n y itions of its ir t t TalkTalk TV Store What can you set? Hide your permission; 18 without i str in s r i ,
YouTube vodafone.uk/bbc wit s i f tur s for f i i s This has been integrated location, set private broadcast What can you set? t y s ou r ort it to t
YouTube’s Restricted mode or or out with the parental controls Facebook Live so only people you invite can Make your account private, let or w sit inistr tors
helps to screen content you i y r i s Apple TV in the Xbox 360 and Xbox Minimum age: 13 watch your broadcasts, restrict only friends direct message you f t y r t su t of
wouldn’t want your child vodafone.uk/bbckidssafety Turn on Restrictions to One. Safety features are What can you set? Decide chat to only people you follow (direct.ly), block users and hide in ro ri t s u ont t
to see. YouTube also offers manage access to app also available in the who sees your live stream and choose whether to share your location. (To live stream or ro y not r
ou ube ids specificall purchases, movies, multiplayer Windows 8.1+ app. and Timeline, unfollow, your broadcast on Twitter. content made using musical.ly, rson, t y s ou t
for children. It contains only games and other content o fin out or unfriend and block people. o fin out or you need to use live.ly.) n u t t y trust n
age-appropriate videos and et i on your Apple TV. vodafone.uk/TalkTalkTV o fin out or n vodafone.uk/pscphelp o fin out or n r ort it i i t y
includes parental controls There are four maturity levels o fin out or r ort on rns o r ort on rns r ort on rns to CEOP at www.ceop.
and a timer. in et i parental controls vodafone.uk/appletv vodafone.uk/Facebook vodafone.uk/pscpreport vodafone.uk/musically police.uk/ceop-report

Virtual reality
TOP
TIP
BE STRONG ONLINE
An Ambassadors Programme
From The Diana Award
As with any new
technology, it’s a good
idea to try VR for yourself
first, so you know if it’s
something you’re happy FREE online safety and skills training and resources for teenagers
for your child to use.
Be Strong Online is a peer-led programme for schools and youth groups to help
young people promote positive online behaviour and build digital resilience
We are running FREE Be Strong Online Ambassador training events in secondary schools across
the UK from September 2017. Email bestrongonline@diana-award.org.uk for more information
THE TRAINING DAY WILL EXPLORE
Image: Gallery Stock

• How to be a Be Strong Online
Ambassador and raise awareness
about online safety
to infinit • Develop skills such as confidence,

public speaking, teamwork and
facilitating discussions with
and beyond a group of students

• Campaign ideas to encourage
Be Strong Online Ambassadors to
IT teacher-turned-internet safety writer embed the programme in school
Yusuf Tamanna looks at how immersive
virtual reality technology is being used
to help children learn – and play Regional training-day locations
FREE TRAINING
H
Glasgow • London • Manchester • Birmingham
ave you ever wanted to
take yourself to another
educational content specially designed
to be experienced using VR.
Finding your way • Belfast • Bristol • Cardiff • Newark
Contact bestrongonline@diana-award.org.uk
world? Well, technology Platforms such as Google Expeditions in virtual reality • Leeds • Stoke • And more to come
is letting that happen, enable pupils to take virtual trips Many headsets specify that
courtesy of virtual reality around the world, into space, and even they are for ages 12 or over.
headsets and apps. back in time. Nearpod gives students Google’s Cardboard viewers
Also known as VR, this immersive with special educational needs and are for 7+, but they advise that
technology ‘transports’ you anywhere, those with mobility issues the chance children should be supervised
from the ocean to outer space. to visit the wonders of the world while using them.
The most common way to access without leaving their classroom. Motion sickness has been
VR is through goggle-type headsets, he use of drones to film in previousl reported when using virtual
which vary from simple cardboard inaccessible areas, such as the no-go reality headsets, with some
people complaining of nausea
devices for around £10, to fancy zone around the former nuclear reactor
and headaches. Setting time
Can’t make it to one of our workshops?
hi-tech gear, which comes with a in Chernobyl, Ukraine, means we can
healthy price tag. While wearing explore the planet like never before. limits for use and taking regular You can download our anti-bullying training modules and learn at home.
your headset, any movements you At home, games consoles such as screen breaks is advisable. bestrongonline.antibullyingpro.com/modules/
make are mirrored in the virtual PlayStation4 and Oculus Rift offer VR Using a VR headset while
environment you’re exploring. titles, while you can also download standing or walking? Don’t –
VR has become increasingly apps to play on your phone or tablet. it can make you disorientated
popular with schools as the It’s a technology that takes players and liable to bump into things
technology has become cheaper, on adventures that parents could only in the real world. bestrongonline.antibullyingpro.com
and organisations are now creating have dreamt of when they were young.

“The Vodafone Foundation is dedicated to investing in the
communities where Vodafone operates. Communications
technology can address some of the world’s most pressing
issues and provide opportunities for education and
development for young people around the world.
“We continue to work with our charitable partners to

produce Digital Parenting magazine to provide critical
information to millions of parents and guardians to
enable them to support and protect children as
they grow up in an increasingly digital world.”
Andrew Dunnett, Director, Vodafone Foundation
The Vodafone Foundation invests in the communities in which Vodafone operates and is at the centre of a network of global
and local social investment programmes. The Vodafone Foundation is a UK registered charity (1089625). Connecting for Good
is the Vodafone Foundation’s commitment to combine Vodafone’s charitable giving and connectivity to drive change. Globally,
the Vodafone Foundation supports projects that are focused on delivering public benefit through the use of communications
technology across the areas of health, education and disaster relief.
For more information, please visit www.vodafonefoundation.org

Digital Superheroes: Parent or Over-Sharent: Which One Are You?

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Digital

Digital The Duke of

superheroes his ﬁght against

Freshly clicked content

We do our best to make sure that

2 Digital Parenting | The digital resilience issue vodafone.com/parents 3

Share some Taskforce team

4 Digital Parenting | The digital resilience issue vodafone.com/parents 5

What is What you

resilience? Left to their own devices, young

Promoting digital resilience in real life

6 Digital Parenting | The digital resilience issue vodafone.com/parents 7

“Explore with your child how they

8 Digital Parenting | The digital resilience issue vodafone.com/parents 9

account that has one

Illustration: Patrick George, Image: Getty

10 Digital Parenting | The digital resilience issue vodafone.com/parents 11

Illustration: Romualdo Faura

12 Digital Parenting | The digital resilience issue vodafone.com/parents 13

Sharenting: the facts Do you sharent as well as you parent?

71% 9% 21% 13% 32%

14 Digital Parenting | The digital resilience issue vodafone.com/parents 15

Meet the characters What is the internet?

Once upon a Ellen, 4

“It helps you

16 Digital Parenting | The digital resilience issue vodafone.com/parents 17

Preparing your child

n w n ou’ ﬁn announced government

18 Digital Parenting | The digital resilience issue vodafone.com/parents 19

“Give our Opening up the world

young people for weeks on end.

S chool days can be particularly tough

in the world to go online.”

20 Digital Parenting | The digital resilience issue vodafone.com/parents 21

It’s about educating children,

doing our bit

22 Digital Parenting | The digital resilience issue vodafone.com/parents 23

7 You could also talk

For more information and advice, see

24 Digital Parenting | The digital resilience issue vodafone.com/parents 25

Screen time and children with

1 Here are some simple

2 o s it fﬁr your i ’s own

1 urn off notifications to

26 Digital Parenting | The digital resilience issue vodafone.com/parents 27

Phishing , on in in i w s Clickjacking What you can do

Ratting or i s n u tion Cyber attacks What you can do

n ri in s ss to roo s n ri t r s, in parents’ and children’s data

28 i it r ntin The digital resilience issue vodafone.com/parents 29

Social media, Never too young to

body image and

look ‘just right’

bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/latestnews/2016/newsround-survey-social-media; The Power of

30 Digital Parenting | The digital resilience issue vodafone.com/parents 31

1 Show your child this article.

Additonal information: Eleanor Levy

32 Digital Parenting | The digital resilience issue vodafone.com/parents 33

Broadcasting live What you

thing… responsible online. online and don’t block

36 Digital Parenting | The digital resilience issue vodafone.com/parents 37

38 Digital Parenting | The digital resilience issue vodafone.com/parents 39

BBFC: the parent’s friend ﬁ in in

A t the BBFC, we age-rate content