The Internet Safety parents’ evening, facilitated by Rachel Harkness from the PSNI, highlighted the important role families play in supporting safe and positive online experiences.
Key findings from the Stranmillis Growing Up Online report show high access to devices, widespread use of online platforms and high smartphone ownership, emphasising the need for guidance at home. The session covered the importance of parental controls in gaming, teaching children not to share personal information, and reminding families that most social media platforms are 13+ due to content and wellbeing concerns. Parents also heard about the UK Online Safety Act 2023, which introduces stronger protections, improved age checks and greater accountability for platforms. Other topics included emojis and hidden meanings, the role of AI in everyday tools, and online offences that police can investigate.
Parents were encouraged to stay calm, set boundaries, supervise device use and model positive digital habits. Further guidance on controls can be found at Internet Matters – Parental Controls
https://www.internetmatters.org/parental-controls/
A huge thank you to Rachel for a very informative session on how to keep our young people safe online.
“As soon as your child shows an interest in engaging with technology, it’s time to begin sharing simple online safety strategies with them.”
Will Gardener; CEO of Childnet.
