You're Not Alone: Online Safety Resources for Concerned Parents

I do a lot to try and stay up to speed on the current trends among the youth of today, not because I want to stay young as that ship has already sailed! It is only with such knowledge are we able to protect them from the dangers that most certainly co-exist with many of the latest online apps, platforms and fads. This requires me to do a lot of researching and testing and as a result, I have come across numerous great resources that are out there to support those with an interest in protecting children online.

I thought it would be a good idea to write something that brings many of those resources together in one place and could be used as a reference for you in the future.

"I'm teaching kids about online safety. Mostly, I'm learning new ways to feel incredibly old."Me - Just now

Here are some resources and tools for you to stay informed about online safety, categorised for easier navigation:

Organizations & Websites:

• National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC): (missingkids.org) Offers resources like the CyberTipline for reporting online enticement and abuse, as well as age-appropriate online safety tips and resources. They also run the NetSmartz workshop.
• ConnectSafely: (connectsafely.org) Provides research-based advice, tips, and resources on a variety of online safety topics, including social media, cyberbullying, and sexting.
• Common Sense Media: (commonsensemedia.org) Offers age-based ratings and reviews of apps, games, movies, and websites, along with parenting advice and resources on digital media and learning.
• The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) (UK): (nspcc.org.uk) Provides information, advice, and helplines for parents concerned about their child's online safety. They offer resources on topics like cyberbullying, online grooming, and sharing nudes.
• Internet Matters (UK): (internetmatters.org) Offers age-specific online safety checklists, advice on setting parental controls, and resources on various online safety issues.
• Family Online Safety Institute (FOSI): (fosi.org) Provides research, resources, and tools for parents and educators on digital safety.
• StopBullying.gov: (stopbullying.gov) Offers information and resources about preventing and responding to bullying, including cyberbullying.
• Childnet International (UK): (childnet.com) Provides resources and advice for young people, parents, and educators on online safety.
• Parent Zone (UK): (parentzone.org.uk) Offers expert advice and information to help families navigate the digital world.

Apps & Tools (Parental Controls & Monitoring):

• Bark: (bark.us) Monitors social media, texts, and emails for signs of cyberbullying, sexting, and other potential dangers.

• Qustodio: (qustodio.com) Offers parental controls for multiple devices, including web filtering, app blocking, and location tracking.

• Net Nanny: (netnanny.com) Provides web filtering, screen time management, and social media monitoring tools.

• Norton Family: (uk.norton.com/family) Offers web supervision, time supervision, and activity monitoring features.

• Google Family Link: (families.google.com) Provides basic parental controls for Android devices, including app management and screen time limits.

  Best parental control apps for Android and iOS

  Ok, so most of you know by now that my first piece of advice when it comes to keeping your children safe online is that communication and building trust with them is paramount. There of course is nothing wrong with allowing technology to help us though. In Cyber we like to use a principle called defence-in-depth, rather than just one layer of defence we…

  Cyber Safety Guy Dale (Cyber Safety Guy)

  

• Apple Screen Time: (support.apple.com/en-us/HT208982) Built-in feature on Apple devices that allows parents to set time limits, block apps, and manage content.

• Microsoft Family Safety: (account.microsoft.com/family) Offers parental controls for Windows and Xbox devices, including content filtering and screen time limits.

Tips for Evaluating Resources:

• Check the source's credibility: Look for reputable organizations, government agencies, or established experts in the field of online safety.
• Look for evidence-based information: See if the resources are based on research or expert consensus.
• Consider the target audience: Make sure the resources are appropriate for your child's age and developmental stage.
• Be wary of biased information: Some resources may promote a particular agenda or product.
• Look for practical advice and actionable steps: The best resources will offer concrete tips and strategies that you can use to protect your child online.

This list is not exhaustive, but it provides a good starting point for you directing you to resources and tools to help you navigate the ever-evolving digital landscape and keep your children safe online.

Stay informed, communicate openly with your children, and remember you are not alone.