It can be difficult to know how to start talking to child about what they do online or who they can talk to, but talking regularly, as you would about their day at school, will help your child feel relaxed and mean that when they have any concerns, they are more likely to come forward and talk to you.
This can help:
- Reassure them that you care about their lives, both online and offline. Point out that they will use the Internet to research their work and talk to their friends.
- Ask your child to show you what they like to do online or which apps uses, so you can understand it.
- Be positive but also open to anything that worries you. You could say "I think this site is very good" or "I'm a little worried about the things I've seen here".
- Ask them if they are worried about anything and let them know that they can come and consult you.
- Ask them about their online friends and how they know they are what they say they are.
- Listen to the reasons why your child wants to use apps or websites that you do not think are appropriate, so you can talk about them with them.
- Ask your child what they think is okay for them children of different ages so that they feel involved in decision-making.
For children, online life is real life. It may help to think about how your child would feel about sharing what he or she does online before you talk to him or her.
Some emotions that could be felt are:
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- Uncomfortable
- Worried
- Annoyed
- Troubled
- Happy
