Children’s online safety is back in the spotlight, following Ofcom’s announcements on social media sites doing more to protect youngsters.

Illegal material, including fraud, grooming content and sexual abuse all came into focus as the new online safety regulator published its first draft codes of practice under the Online Safety Act.

The code also said the largest platforms should ensure children do not appear within ‘suggested friends’ lists or other users’ lists, that their location information is not visible to others, and people outside their agreed connections cannot message them. It’s hoped Ofcom will start enforcing these measures by the end of next year.

With phones and social media now engrained in our daily lives, keeping children safe online is often a key concern for parents and carers.

Need a refresher on how to make sure your child stays safe online? We asked experts for their guidance…Educate yourself – and your child – about possible risks

Holly Zoccolan, parenting expert and founder of The Carol App for mums, said parents play a crucial role in guiding their children’s internet and social media usage.

“Parents should be aware of the potential dangers online, including cyberbullying, exposure to inappropriate content, and privacy risks. Understanding the platforms and apps their child uses is essential to address these concerns effectively,” Zoccolan explained.

“Teach your child about responsible and respectful online behaviour. This includes emphasising the importance of not sharing personal information, avoiding engaging in hurtful conversations, and understanding the consequences of their digital actions.”

Set boundaries

It’s crucial to strike a balance between online and offline activities, too.

“Excessive screen time can have adverse effects on a child’s physical and mental health,” said Zoccolan. “Encourage a healthy balance by setting screen-time limits and encouraging physical activities and face-to-face social interactions.”

However, the level of strictness with this may vary depending on the child’s age, maturity, and individual circumstances as well as how the parents feel about it.

“For younger children, strict boundaries are generally necessary. Parents can limit screen time, monitor online activity, and restrict access to certain websites or apps. As children mature, boundaries can become more flexible, allowing them to demonstrate responsible online behaviour,” Zoccolan added.

“Regardless of strictness, maintain open and ongoing communication with your child. Discuss the reasons behind the rules and encourage them to ask questions or express concerns. This helps build trust and understanding.”

Make use of parental control tools

Kat Howard, head of education and wellbeing at digital safeguarding provider Smoothwall, suggests parents make use of the parental control tools available on different platforms.

“This ensures harmful content can be filtered and blocked, meaning not only are children safe from age-inappropriate content, but parents can have peace of mind,” Howard explained. “These tools also promote open communication between parents and children about online activities, fostering trust and responsible internet use.”

Know the capabilities of a device

Are you clued up about what your children’s digital devises can actually do? You may have purchased something so they can watch videos and play games, but make sure you know what else the devise is capable of.

“This helps parents to assess potential risks, take appropriate precautions and educate their children on their personal technology,” said Howard. “Knowing a device well also means that parents know who to go to and how to report risks when things go wrong.”

Think carefully about when to introduce phones and social media

The age at which a child should be allowed their own phone and social media can be tricky territory and may vary. However, it’s essential to consider a child’s maturity level, readiness, and the reasons for introducing technology.

Zoccolan said: “Many parents introduce their child to a basic phone for communication purposes when they start school or become more independent. However, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer; it depends on the individual child’s needs and circumstances.

“The minimum age requirement for most social media platforms is 13. Parents should follow these age restrictions and consider their child’s readiness to handle the responsibilities of online interactions. It’s also important to educate them about potential risks and benefits.”

Stay engaged and keep talking

Ultimately, communication with your child is hugely important.

“Be actively involved in your child’s online life. Know which platforms they use, who their online friends are, and regularly check their privacy settings. Encourage them to come to you if they encounter anything uncomfortable or concerning online,” explained Zoccolan.

“Remember that online safety is an ongoing conversation and process and is individual for each family. As your child grows and becomes more independent, you may want to adapt your approach to suit their evolving needs and responsibilities.”