Key tips
Begin by setting up expectations for use of the device or software that you feel comfortable with. Allow for growth and expansion of knowledge for your young person.- Teenagers will challenge you – be consistent with responses – especially in the family. You do not want siblings arguing over the permissions allowed in the family unit.
- Set up a schedule for use of devices and social media. Combine these with other activities, jobs, and responsibilities your teenager needs to do on any day.
- Introduce timers – to assist with monitoring the amount of usage of technology and to allocate break times. Always making time for other activities such as homework, assignments, and other extra-curricular activities.
- Rewards – remember to acknowledge and reward proper use and good behaviour with the device or software. Start each day fresh. Let the young person have an opportunity to show good use and responsible behaviour the next day.
- Privacy settings – always investigate how to set these up on any app or device.
- Communication – keep these channels open with your young person so that they will come to you to discuss any issues. Be reasonable and negotiate with them their use and support them with teaching new skills.
- Lead by example in using technology, devices, and social media.
- Be present – tune in and join in. Have fun together.
- Start off small to consolidate this skill- do not give access to everything online in one go. What is relevant and fun? What is needed? What can the young person do successfully and easily?
- Provide a phone for safety on public transport and when going out with a support worker. We want to be working towards independence not dependence on someone else.
Resources
- The eSafety Guide (Australian Government eSafety Commissioner)
Learn about the latest games, apps, and social media, including how to protect your information and report inappropriate content. Has an amazing list of social media apps and explains each one of them and the appropriate age for their use. Also shows how to set them up with your young person. - eSafety for young people (Australian Government eSafety Commissioner)
Useful information and an interactive tool to help young people stay safe online. Parents and carers can work through the topics when required with young people. - eSafety for parents (Australian Government eSafety Commissioner)
Advice for parents and carers to help children have safe experiences online. Includes topics such as:
– cyber bullying
– online gaming
– time spent
– unwanted contact and grooming
– online safety basics
– privacy
– are they old enough? …and much more. - Domestic and family violence: Securing your accounts and devices (Australian Government eSafety Commissioner)
Top tips for securing your accounts and devices. - Inclusion and digital wellbeing teacher summary sheet (Australian Government eSafety Commissioner)
An inclusive resource for teachers. - Be deadly online (Australian Government eSafety Commissioner)
Resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families. - Cyberbullying (ReachOut)
Advice to support the handling of bullying online. ReachOut is Australia’s leading online mental health organisation for young people and their parents. Practical support, tools and tips help young people get through anything from everyday issues to touch times – and the information on offer to parents makes it easier for them to help their teenagers, too. - ReachOut tools and apps
Tools and apps to help young people set and reach goals. These are apps young people can use in a positive way.
Videos to watch together
- Online privacy for kids – Internet safety and security for kids (Smile and Learn)
- Cyber bullying
- Safe web surfing: Tip tips for kids and teens online
- How to make your Instagram account private
Watch the webinar
Download the fact sheet
Want this information as a fact sheet? Download it here.
