Read these simple tips and learn how you can help to keep your child safe online during the summer holidays. 

School’s soon to be out for summer, so kids have more opportunities for digital downtime. With that comes a need for better online safety, though. 

An Ofcom report highlighted a significant rise in children’s online activity. A third of those aged five to seven now use social media unsupervised, for example. While the internet offers lots of great resources, it’s important to share advice and set boundaries on its use. 

Follow these tips to keep your household safe online this summer.

1. Foster Open Communication

Open communication is the foundation of any trusting family relationship. Start conversations with your kids about their online activities. You could discuss: 

• What websites they visit
• What games they play
• Who they interact with

Creating a judgement-free environment will help your kids feel comfortable coming to you with concerns. You can also work with them to establish clear ground rules. This could involve setting time limits and making device-free zones, such as the dinner table.

2. Understand Your Family’s Digital Habits

Knowing what your children are up to will give you more confidence about their welfare. Familiarise yourself with the platforms they use. Explore the features, understand the privacy settings, and grasp the potential risks. 

Many popular platforms offer parental controls and guides to ease your concerns. These tools can restrict access to inappropriate content, filter websites, and manage screen time. The NSPCC also provides a lot of helpful advice for parents. 

3. Cover Cybersecurity Basics

There are a few cybersecurity principles that everyone in your household should know.

Start by explaining the importance of creating strong, unique passwords for all online accounts. Encourage your family to use a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. You could get a password manager for the whole family to help everyone create and remember complex logins.

4. Educate Your Family on Privacy

Privacy is another important topic for young people. Talk to your kids about what’s OK to share and what’s best kept secret. For example, ask them to think twice before making social media posts that could reveal their location when travelling. 

Consider installing virtual private network (VPN) software on your router for an extra layer of protection on your home Wi-Fi, too. Any connected device will have its data sent through an encrypted tunnel, shielding it from prying eyes.

5. Unplug for Real-World Fun

Finally, remember that summer holidays are a fantastic opportunity to make lasting memories away from a screen. 

Encourage regular screen breaks by planning outdoor activities, playing sports, or getting creative. The digital world is full of wonder, but the real one offers more memorable adventures!