Smart TVs have become more affordable in recent years, making them readily available to most consumers. These more advanced systems offer numerous features beyond those of a normal television set – chiefly, the ability to access the internet and interface with popular streaming services without the need for a set-top box or other intermediary device.

This increased functionality, however, also brings additional threats to privacy, security and more – as you’d perhaps expect from any device capable of going online. As TV is such a cornerstone of our home lives, these dangers can be uniquely difficult to manage. Our #WakeUpWednesday guide breaks down the major risks, with tips on helping children to enjoy TV … stress free.

Cyber Safe Families - Managing Screen Time

From using them for communication, work, shopping and entertainment, devices such as smartphones, laptops and the rest are now deeply ingrained into modern society. Small wonder, then, that young people – who’ve grown up surrounded by such gadgets – can sometimes struggle to put them down, switch them off or keep themselves occupied without them.

While limiting our screen time may require a great deal of restraint, the effort can be rewarded with significant benefits to our physical and mental health.

The guide this week has simple tips for helping to manage the amount of screen time in your household – encouraging the whole family to spend more quality time together and live in the moment.

Cyber Safe Families - Parental Controls

At this time of year, it’s highly possible that you have a new phone, games console or other digital device stashed somewhere at home, ready to be unwrapped. Many parents also prefer to place some protective measures on those gifts – to keep their child shielded from potential #OnlineSafety risks – while others would like to, but aren’t sure where to begin.

The guide this week shepherds you through the process of establishing parental controls on new internet-enabled devices, from smartphones to laptops to consoles. Simply find the device in question and read on to find out what options you have and how to enable them – letting children enjoy their shiny new gadget, without so much of the worry over where it might lead them.

Online Safety is an ever-evolving concern. Last Monday evening, the West Mercia Police held a (very graphic) conference, highlighting some of the worst-case scenarios involving young people and the internet (scenarios that happen here in Worcestershire). It was also highlighted that these 'serious' scenarios all started with low-level inappropriate exploration and misuse at a very early age. Keeping your child/ren safe online has to be a priority for you, and to support you with this we are now going to be sending out a weekly guide on a Wednesday. Please take some time to read the information and keep on top of your child's online activities. 

Cyber Safe Families - Setting Boundaries for Gaming

The online information poster this week is about Setting Boundaries for Gaming.

Behind video-sharing platforms (like YouTube) and streaming TV shows and movies, gaming is the third most popular online activity for children in the UK. In fact, according to recent data from Ofcom, an overwhelming 89% of children aged 3 to 17 play video games. Of those, more than one in five (22%) talk to other players online whom they don’t know outside the game.

The risk of contact with strangers is just one of the reasons that many parents are concerned about their child’s gaming: increased screen time, inappropriate content and in-game spending also figure among the most frequent fears. Agreeing on some rules around your child’s gaming activities can certainly help, and our guide has some useful tips for establishing these boundaries.

If you would like any further information on this topic or any other online issues, please come and speak to us.