In today’s increasingly digitalised world, traditional toys and activities are quickly being replaced by apps, which – is this context – basically means games on a smartphone or a tablet.
Whether your child as their own device or they’re using yours, it is important to keep them safe. Most apps these days have the ability to access the Internet and connect to other users. In fact, many apps rely on those features to work. Because of this, they come bundled with potential dangers that every parent should be aware of and take simple steps to avoid.
Here we list our top 5 simple tips for keeping children safe when they’re playing on apps on a smartphone or tablet.
Just like real world games you’d purchase from a shop, most apps will come included with a recommended age range. It is important to note this, because it is a good indicator as to what a person using the app can expect.
For example, if an app is labelled 16 and over, there is a good chance that it will allow people using it to connect to strangers, and potentially be exposed to adult content. As such, this would not be an appropriate app for a young child.
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Even after checking the recommended ages, we still recommend using the app yourself before you let your child download and use the app. We’ve seen a number of apps that claim to be suitable for children of 13 years yet still allow those who use them to connect with strangers, which many parents may not be happy with – and rightly so!
Open the app yourself, and see if the content is appropriate for your child. Check to see if the app allows users to connect with strangers and if there is a way to block or mute other users. And most importantly, check to see if the app has inbuilt parental controls or a “kids mode” for you to setup to restrict what kids can do with the app.
Many apps have parental controls within the app itself, but it’s also important to consider parental controls for the device itself. Parental controls on the app can stop children from installing age inappropriate apps, accessing in-app purchases, accessing other adult only features and allows parents to monitor what a child is doing on the device.
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One of the most effective methods of making sure children are safe when playing on mobile apps is to actually be there as they play. This is especially true of younger children who may not understand if they are seeing inappropriate or harmful material, and who may be the target for criminals.
This also gives the parent a chance to learn the app themselves and how it works, so they can pre-emptively see any potential problems and work to avoid them.
With older children, it may not be possible to be there every time they are playing apps on a phone or tablet. We always recommend keeping an open two-way dialogue with children. This gives the parent a chance to explain to children about the potential dangers of using the Internet and Internet-enabled apps.
This can include the chance that they may encounter inappropriate content online, or may speak to people who could upset them, and if this happens, it is always important that the child report that to a trusted adult such as the parent or their teacher.