Introducing Teen Accounts: What does this mean for us parents – plus child safety features for online

As a parent, navigating the new features online and our social media can be overwhelming. So with the new ‘teen accounts’ announced by Meta (Instagram/Facebook) we’ve put together a need-to-know guide and a few points to consider for keeping our kids safe online.

Meta Teen Accounts – the basics:

• Meta have introduced Instagram Teen Accounts to automatically place teens in built-in protections and reassure parents that teens are having safe experiences. 
• Teen Accounts will limit who can contact teens and the content they see, and help ensure their time is well spent.
• Teens under 16 will need a parent’s permission to change any of the built-in protections to be less strict within Teen Accounts.

“The new Teen Account protections are designed to address parents’ biggest concerns, including who their teens are talking to online, the content they’re seeing and whether their time is being well spent. These protections are turned on automatically, and parents decide if teens under 16 can change any of these settings to be less strict:

• Private accounts: With default private accounts, teens need to accept new followers and people who don’t follow them can’t see their content or interact with them. This applies to all teens under 16 (including those already on Instagram and those signing up) and teens under 18 when they sign up for the app. (Updated on September 17 at 11:18 AM PT to clarify how private accounts are applied)
• Messaging restrictions: Teens will be placed in the strictest messaging settings, so they can only be messaged by people they follow or are already connected to. 
• Sensitive content restrictions: Teens will automatically be placed into the most restrictive setting of our sensitive content control, which limits the type of sensitive content (such as content that shows people fighting or promotes cosmetic procedures) teens see in places like Explore and Reels. 
• Limited interactions: Teens can only be tagged or mentioned by people they follow. We’ll also automatically turn on the most restrictive version of our anti-bullying feature, Hidden Words, so that offensive words and phrases will be filtered out of teens’ comments and DM requests. 
• Time limit reminders: Teens will get notifications telling them to leave the app after 60 minutes each day. 
• Sleep mode enabled: Sleep mode will be turned on between 10 PM and 7 AM, which will mute notifications overnight and send auto-replies to DMs. “

Learn more from Meta

Keeping Kids Safe Online: Mobile Phone Safety for Teens and Children

 In today’s digital age, mobile phones and online gaming have become an integral part of children’s lives. With easy access to apps, social media, and online games, it’s crucial for parents to ensure that their kids are navigating the online world safely. Both iPhones and Android devices offer robust safety controls designed to protect young users from various online risks. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you set up these safety features effectively.

Understanding the Risks

Before diving into the safety controls, it’s essential to understand the potential risks associated with mobile phone usage for kids. These include:

• Cyberbullying: Harmful interactions or harassment through social media, messaging apps, or online games.
• In-App Purchases: Accidental or unauthorised spending on games and apps.
• Cyberbullying: The anonymity and reach of the internet can sometimes lead to harmful behaviours, including cyberbullying. Children may face harassment, threats, or exclusion online, which can have severe emotional and psychological effects.
• Online Predators: The internet can expose children to individuals with harmful intentions. Predators might use social media, gaming platforms, or chat rooms to exploit young people. Awareness and vigilance are key to preventing such encounters.
• Inappropriate Content: The vast amount of content available online includes material that is not suitable for children. Whether it’s violent, explicit, or otherwise distressing, exposure to inappropriate content can impact a child’s mental health and development.
• Privacy Concerns: Children may not fully understand the implications of sharing personal information online. Oversharing or inadequate privacy settings can lead to risks such as identity theft or unwanted contact.
• Screen Time: Excessive screen time can affect a child’s physical health, including sleep patterns and vision. It can also impact their social development and academic performance.

Safety Controls for iPhones

Apple devices come with a suite of parental controls and privacy settings to help manage and monitor your child’s online activity:

1. Screen Time:
• Setup: Go to Settings > Screen Time > Turn On Screen Time. Set up a passcode to prevent changes.
• Features: You can manage daily app usage, set time limits for specific apps, and view usage reports. It also allows you to block or limit specific apps and content.
2. Content & Privacy Restrictions:
• Setup: Go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions. Enable the restrictions and set a passcode.
• Features: Control content ratings, restrict explicit content, limit web access, and manage privacy settings. You can also block in-app purchases and downloads.
3. Location Sharing:
• Setup: Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services.
• Features: Manage which apps have access to your child’s location and enable features like “Find My iPhone” for tracking and safety.
4. Communication Limits:
• Setup: Go to Settings > Screen Time > Communication Limits.
• Features: Restrict who your child can communicate with during allowed screen time and downtime.
5. Family Sharing:
• Setup: Go to Settings > [Your Name] > Family Sharing.
• Features: Share app purchases, manage Apple ID settings, and set up Screen Time for family members.

Safety Controls for Android Devices

Android devices offer similar safety features to ensure a secure online environment for kids:

1. Google Family Link:
• Setup: Download the Google Family Link app on both your device and your child’s device. Follow the setup instructions to create a family group.
• Features: Monitor app usage, set screen time limits, and approve or block app downloads. You can also manage privacy settings and track your child’s location.
2. Parental Controls in Google Play:
• Setup: Open the Google Play Store > Settings > Parental Controls. Enable Parental Controls and set a PIN.
• Features: Restrict app downloads based on age ratings, filter content, and manage in-app purchases.
3. Safe Browsing:
• Setup: Go to Settings > Apps > Chrome (or your browser) > Permissions. Adjust settings to limit web access.
• Features: Use Safe Browsing tools to block harmful websites and restrict access to inappropriate content.
4. Screen Time Management:
• Setup: Go to Settings > Digital Wellbeing & Parental Controls.
• Features: Set app timers, track usage, and enable “Focus Mode” to limit distractions during specific times.
5. Location Sharing:
• Setup: Open Google Maps > Location Sharing.
• Features: Share location with trusted family members and use Google’s location tracking features to keep tabs on your child’s whereabouts.

Strategies for Ensuring Online Safety

1. Open Communication: It’s important to provide an environment where your child feels comfortable discussing their online experiences. Encourage open conversations about what they encounter online, and listen to their concerns without judgment.
2. Education: Teach children about the potential dangers of the internet and the importance of protecting their personal information. Discuss the concept of digital footprints and how their online actions can have long-term consequences.
3. Setting Boundaries: Establish clear rules about internet use, including time limits and the types of websites or platforms they can access. Use parental controls and monitoring tools to help manage their online activity.
4. Encouraging Safe Practices: Show children how to use privacy settings on social media and other online platforms. Explain the importance of using strong, unique passwords and not sharing them with anyone.
5. Monitoring and Guidance: Keep an eye on your child’s online activities and friendships. Regularly review their social media profiles and gaming accounts to ensure they’re engaging in safe and appropriate behaviour.
6. Reporting and Support: Make sure your child knows how to report inappropriate content or behaviour on the platforms they use.

In addition, it’s important to familiarise yourself with resources and support services available in the UK. Organisations such as Childline, CEOP (Child Exploitation and Online Protection Command), and NSPCC (National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children) offer valuable guidance and support for dealing with online safety issues.

Government and Educational Initiatives

The UK government and educational institutions are also taking steps to address online safety. For instance, the UK Safer Internet Centre provides resources for both educators and parents to promote safe online practices. Schools often incorporate digital literacy into their curriculums, teaching children how to navigate the online world responsibly.

The Online Safety Bill, which is currently in progress, aims to strengthen protections against online harm. It focuses on enhancing the responsibilities of social media platforms and other online services to protect users, especially children, from harmful content and interactions.

Encouraging Positive Online Habits

While it’s crucial to address the risks, it’s equally important to highlight the positive aspects of the internet. Encourage your child to use online resources for learning and personal growth. Support them in exploring educational websites, participating in online courses, and engaging in creative projects.

By striking a balance between safety and exploration, children can make the most of the internet while being protected from its risks. Building their digital resilience and critical thinking skills will help them navigate the online world confidently and responsibly.

Conclusion

Online safety for kids is a multifaceted issue that requires active involvement from parents, educators, and policymakers. By staying informed, setting appropriate boundaries, and maintaining open lines of communication, we can help ensure that children in the UK can enjoy the benefits of the internet while staying safe from its potential dangers. As technology continues to evolve, so too should our approaches to safeguarding our youngest digital citizens.

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