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.
Quick tips for grandparents
- Keep on top of online issues and risks.
- Set or review ground rules for internet use.
- Keep track of what children use and for how long.
- Talk with children about online safety and privacy.
- Understand what it means to balance screen time.
- Explore more resources to support children’s online safety.
Keep on top of online issues and risks
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:
- Increased secrecy about online activities;
- Sudden mood swings or unexplained anger;
- Withdrawing from friends and family;
- Reluctance to use devices around you;
- Unexplained expenses or credit card charges;
- Sudden aversion to using the internet or specific apps;
- Unexplained anxiety or depression;
- Changes in sleeping and eating habits;
- Feeling distressed after (or while) spending time online;
- Reluctance to discuss online experiences.
Remember that these signs could suggest any number of things. As such, make sure to talk with your grandchild about their online experiences.
Discuss potential harms
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.
Set or review ground rules for internet use
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.
Use parental controls
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.
Keep track of what children use and for how long
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.
Talk with children about online safety and privacy
Children spend more time on devices over the school holidays. So, talking with them about online safety is important.
- Explain why they should never share personal information online. This includes their full name, address, phone number or school name.
- Show them how to set strong, unique passwords for their accounts. Also, emphasise the importance of not sharing these passwords with others.
- Discuss cyber security and how to recognise potential harm. You can cover phishing scams, not clicking suspicious links and avoiding unknown downloads.
- Encourage mindfulness with their online interactions and the content they engage with.
- Teach them to be cautious about accepting friend requests or messages from strangers.
- Help children recognise and tackle cyberbullying. Also encourage them to treat others with respect online. See our internet manners guide for support.
- Show them how to use privacy settings on social media and other platforms. You can limit who can contact them and who can see their content.
Understand what it means to balance screen time
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.
Keep grandchildren safe and balanced
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.
