The internet is an ever-growing entity that can sometimes be difficult to keep on top of. Without the correct Parental Control settings, age-inappropriate content can be easily accessed through a variety of online mediums. Apps such as TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram and Twitter can make accessing such content easier than ever. Social media platforms allow users to post, share and comment on each others’ content, which may not have been flagged by the time that your child is exposed to it. Additional Parental Control settings mean that your child will not be able to access selected content on these platforms accidentally.

Gaming is another form of entertainment that may be problematic if not monitored properly. Many popular titles have a higher rating due to their use of violence or horror. The outset of a game may seem harmless, but as children progress through the game it may unlock content that simply isn’t tailored to their age group.

Streaming platforms, such as Netflix or Amazon Prime, can be informative and interesting when used as they were intended. However, they cannot always determine the age of the person viewing at that moment. Some streaming services offer the opportunity to create a ‘child-friendly’ profile, meaning that they are only offered films or TV shows that are appropriate for children.

National Online Safety have set up the #WakeUpWednesday campaign to provide expert advice on online risks, particularly on new and developing platforms. They release a brand new guide every Wednesday. The image below is from this week’s #WakeUpWednesday, which focuses on ‘Age-Inappropriate Content’. 

To access these guides, please follow the link to one of our Internet safety pages - Parent Guides | Hanley Swan St Gabriel's with St Mary's CofE Primary School (secure-primarysite.net)