More and more kids using phones, devices since COVID19, we've some great advice for parents managing kids aged 5-8
One of the most frequently asked questions is 'When should I give my kids their first phone'. Everyone has a different point of view, some parents want to wait until secondary school, others are happy to give a six-year-old his/her first phone. If you can't wait any longer, here are some suggestions for what to do when you give your kids their first phone/device.
1. Set down rules and expectations 2. Agree 'Time Limits', easy when they're young 3. Block off what you do not want them to use 4. Tell them what is not happening. No social media, unsuitable games 5. Older brothers and sisters are not to interfere (easier said than done) 6. Use Parental control to help you, paid parental is best. 7. Use these rules to form future habits 8. Remember it's Rules, not guidelines. Enforce 9. Under 8s should be happy with 90 minutes a day. Read more here. 10. Yes, it is a complete pain
Five things a child must never share online
Book a Parents talk - Parents talk page
Time limits by App, social media, entertainment, personalised and controlled by Mum and Dad!..
Not updated in three years by UK Govt. You can add 50% at least since 2021
One great thing about gaming is there is a single source website where parents can check the suitability of all games. Is called PEGI.INFO. It helps parents to make the right decisions when buying video games
PEGI provides age classifications for video games in 38 European countries. The age rating confirms that the game is appropriate for players of a certain age. PEGI considers the age suitability of a game, not the level of difficulty.
Check PEGI before permitting your kid to download or buy a game. Here is how PEGI rates a game
Sadly this once great portal has lost its way. They've burrowed their way into the money hole following Google, the big boss and owner. There are too many money bots tracking kids, too many 'Fake News' ultra profane Influencers, too much advertising especially since the start of COVID19.
Two years we were saying with reservations that YouTube was still safe but no more in August 2021, don't think it is an appropriate place for kids to wander alone. Like TikTok, it needs heavy supervision. Do not let kids watch alone.
If they are watching here's a quick checklist
Apple Screentime for iOS, OSX is limited but is a start. Google Family Link is buggy and gets poor reviews. Other free apps on Play Store don’t score well either. Check pricing for
What’s in it for you. The Benefits Kids who behave better Kids that exercise more, sleep, eat better. Kids that do as asked Kids who study better, doing better in school Kids who don’t get bullied online Kids with longer attention spans Healthier, fitter, stronger kids. They can still play Fortnite, we are not stopping them, just not all-day
From our ebook - How to protect your kids online
Don't feel guilty about your kid's screentime if your kid is learning, why not download some educational games-based apps? Here are some suggestions for spellings, times tables. Most have multiplayer functions, friends, siblings can compete against each other.
Having a phone on hand means your child need never be without reading material. Avoid eyestrain, try limiting the time they spend reading on their phone.
Libraries hire out children’s e-books that can be accessed on your phone. We like the look of the app Overdrive featuring a collection of dozens of kids’ books, comics and magazines, from Biff, Chip and Kipper to The Beano.
We have linked the kids' version of it, which includes borrowing copies of Harry Potter, comics, all sorts of fun books. Link here :> https://livebrary.overdrive.com/library/kids
Libraries everywhere are lifting their game for kids with smartphones. some have a drop in and scan service, or simply register.
Build their visual creativity with the cameras on their phone. A picture is worth a thousand words 1. Filters 2. Composition 3. Colourisation 4. Editing 5. Effects
Download any one of 100s of fitness apps. Bingo fitter kids.
Life is full of learning opportunities for kids, and a smartphone to the mix could make your child a more willing helper. Lookup a recipe on the phone, and follow the instructions to bake a cake, take charge of the weekly shopping list using an online supermarket, plan a route for a day trip, check the weather forecast before a family outing: a simple way to use a phone practically
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