We have often shared with you the eSafety Commissioner’s website, https://www.esafety.gov.au/ which is a useful resource to view when your child/children are using the internet.

This week, we include a useful guide (from this website) to assist in coming to an agreement with your child/children around some basic rules about online use. They address three key strategies:

1. Be engaged, open and honest
2. Set some rules
3. Use the available technology

ONLINE SAFETY BASICS
Help your children safely navigate their digital world and educate them to avoid harmful online experiences. Explore websites, games, apps and social media together and set some rules. 

Your support and guidance can give your children the confidence to make sound decisions online ― and ask for help when they need it. 

3 Key Strategies:

1.       Be engaged, open and supportive

• Get involved. Share online time with your children as part of family life. Play games together. Talk about favourite apps, games or websites.
• Keep lines of communication open. Ask about their online experiences, who they are talking to and whether they are having any issues.
• Reassure your child they can always come to you, no matter what. Let them know you will not cut off internet access if they report feeling uncomfortable or unsafe when online ― this is a real concern that may stop your child from communicating with you openly.
• If you notice a change in behaviour or mood, talk to your child about it. If you are concerned, consider seeking professional help ― from your GP, a psychologist or school counsellor.

2.       Set some rules

• Set age-appropriate rules for devices and online access, with consequences for breaking them.
• Ensure your child’s input — this will help them understand risks. As they get older you can review your rules together. 
• Consider creating a family tech agreement (sometimes called a family media plan or family online safety agreement). A family tech agreement is a set of rules about how devices, like smartphones, tablets, computers, TVs and gaming consoles are used in your home. It is written down and agreed to by all family members and kept in a place where everyone can see it, such as on the fridge.
• Your family tech agreement could cover the type of websites that can be visited, time spent online and acceptable online behaviour. 

• eSafety has created their own  version of a Family Tech Agreement, in collaboration with ABC KIDS, especially designed for families with children under 5. You can download this (https://www.esafety.gov.au/sites/default/files/2020-01/Our%20Family%20Tech%20Agreement%20-%20Template%20.pdf ) and fill it in with your family. Another example, from ThinkUKnow Australia, can also be a good starting point for families with older children.

• The consequences for breaking the rules should be clear. Negotiate these with your child when you create your agreement so they mean something to them.
• Consider making some ‘rules for parents’ too — and stick to them! Model behaviour that you would like to see.

 3.        Use available technology

• Get to know the devices you and your children use and set them up for privacy and online safety. Take advantage of parental controls to monitor and control screen time and access to content in ways appropriate to your child’s age and experience. See the eSafety Commissioner guide to taming the technology.
• Choose apps and games carefully, taking age ratings and consumer advice into account. Check the App Store or Google Play, and for games, the Australian Classification Board’s online database. NetAware (UK)has a comprehensive guide to popular social media apps and games. The Australian Council on Children and the Media and Common Sense Media (US) both offer information about apps, games and websites searchable by age.