Grandparents play a key role in children’s lives and many take the role of caregiver over school breaks. See top tips from Beth Rush to keep grandchildren safe online.
If you care for your grandchildren, you should understand potential online risks. This includes cyberbullying, identity theft, phishing scams and exposure to adult content.
A child who experiences a harm online might show the following signs:
Remember that these signs could suggest any number of things. As such, make sure to talk with your grandchild about their online experiences.
You can also help prevent potential harm by discussing with children what it might look like. Explore different online issues here.
Use age-appropriate language to explain the risks and encourage them to ask questions. Regular chats about their digital life can help children feel comfortable to come to you if something goes wrong.
Ask your grandchild's parents about the rules they already enforce. This way, you can keep the consequences consistent when children are away from home.
If your grandchild doesn’t yet have digital boundaries, introduce them yourself. You can use this family agreement template to help establish clear ground rules.
Set rules around the websites and apps they can use to minimise their exposure to adult content. Decide when and where they can use their devices as well. Examples include putting devices away during meal times or before bedtime. These actions help to promote positive screen time balance.
You can also create separate user profiles if your grandchild will use one of your owned devices. This is especially important for young children. Additionally, make sure you set parental controls on the devices children use. Explore step-by-step parental controls guides here.
Whatever boundaries you set, consistency is key. So, parents and grandparents should work together to create a unified approach. This will keep expectations consistent wherever children are.
Regularly check the websites your grandchild visits, the apps they use and the people they interact with. This can help you identify and limit risks.
Parental control software like Google Family Link can help you do this. These apps can also help filter content and limit screen time across devices.
For teenagers, you have a little more space to involve them in online safety decisions. Explain that your goal is to ensure their safety rather than to invade their privacy. You can work together to come to an agreement on how you keep track of their activity.
Tim Estes, CEO and Co-Founder of Angel AI, warns that “taking away devices creates a ‘pink elephant paradox’.” Essentially, if you take a device away from a child as a consequence, the more they want them. That could lead to a lot more arguments about device use with children.
Instead, track activity and take an active role in showing them how to use devices safely.
Children spend more time on devices over the school holidays. So, talking with them about online safety is important.
Screen time balance is all about using devices in a range of ways.
So, instead of playing the same game all summer or scrolling social media, explore new skills, play new games and get your grandchild to show you more about their online world.
Additionally, screen time balance means taking a break now and again. Organise family outings, such as trips to the park, zoo visits, beach time or nature walks. This can create lasting memories and provide a refreshing break from their screens.
Or, see how you can use devices to support offline activities. Watch cooking tutorials, learn how to crochet or identify plants on a nature walk. Can your grandchild show you crafting ‘hacks’ on TikTok? Or are there any video games you can play together?
Find ways to combine your offline world with their digital world. This is a great way to help both young children and teens balance screen time.
These tips can protect your grandchildren online while also developing key digital literacy skills. Plus, you’ll help them to enjoy a safe and positive online experience during the school break.
Remember, your involvement and guidance are key to them navigating the digital world safely.
Learn how to protect your grandchildren on the platforms they use with the right advice to manage risks and harm.
GET YOUR DIGITAL TOOLKIT
