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  • Mobile health check for kids’ smartphones and tablets

Mobile device health check

If your child already has a smartphone or tablet, or you’re planning to get them one, see our 5 top tips to make sure it’s set up to give them a safer online experience.

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Check kids devices are set up safe

Top 5 tips

#1 Check the basics
  • Use app store settings to only show age appropriate apps Google Play | Apple iStore
  • Check app and in-app purchasing requires a password
  • Turn-off ‘locations services’ so your child doesn’t unintentionally share their location with others
#2 Review apps on their devices
  • Check age ratings of any apps you’re not familiar with – Visit NetAware for advice
  • Do they have the right privacy settings across all social, messaging & Gaming apps they use?
#3 Turn on safe search
  • Switch on Google SafeSearch to block explicit results
  • Turn on YouTube ‘Restricted Mode’ to help screen out inappropriate content

 

#4 Check they’re connected safety
  • Use parental controls on your broadband to block inappropriate content
  • Check a content lock is set up on their mobile network to stop them seeing things they shouldn’t
#5 Agree digital boundaries
  • Talk about how to be responsible and stay safe online when sharing images or live streaming
  • Stay engaged by having regular conversations about what they do online

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More to explore

See related advice and practical tips to support children online:

  • Advice for 0-5 years
  • Advice for 11-13 years
  • Advice for 14+ year olds
  • Advice for 6-10 years
  • Setting up safe

On site links

  • Online safety advice by age
  • Parental Controls
  • Social media networks made for children to learn how to interact safely
  • Social media advice on popular apps

Related Web Links

NSPCC NetAware – advice of popular apps

  • Online issues
  • Cyberbullying
  • Inappropriate content
  • Sexting
  • Self-harm
  • Screen time
  • Radicalisation
  • Online grooming
  • Online pornography
  • Online reputation
  • Privacy and identity theft
  • Advice by age
  • Pre-school (0-5)
  • Young children (6-10)
  • Pre-teen (11-13)
  • Teens ( 14+)
  • Setting controls
  • Smartphones and other devices
  • Broadband & mobile networks
  • Gaming platform & other devices
  • Social media privacy guides
  • Entertainment & search engines
  • Connecting Safely Online
  • Resources
  • My Family’s Digital Toolkit
  • Online gaming advice hub
  • The dangers of digital piracy
  • Digital resilience toolkit
  • Social media advice hub
  • Guide to apps
  • Accessibility on Internet Matters
  • Digital Matters
  • Schools resources
  • Early years resources
  • Primary school resources
  • Secondary school resources
  • Parent pack for teachers
  • News & opinion
  • Our expert panel
  • #StaySafeStayHome support for families
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