Giovanna and Tom Fletcher, parents of an 11-year-old son who will be starting secondary school in September, recently decided it was time for him to have a mobile phone.
Prior to giving him the phone, the couple emphasized the importance of communication among themselves and with their son.
“With the vast accessibility of smartphones, it’s crucial to consider how to manage that and ensure their safety,” expressed Giovanna, aged 40.
“I have always been apprehensive about this aspect of parenting. There are numerous reports on children being exposed to inappropriate content, coupled with concerns about mental health. This is why parents must engage in discussions with their children to empower them,” she added.
Many children received smartphones as Christmas gifts, leading families to navigate the challenges and benefits that come with it.
Over the upcoming year, a campaign called The Family Chat, in partnership with Tesco Mobile, will encourage families to have conversations about online devices regardless of their children’s age.
The campaign will highlight the available support and resources, such as Tesco Mobile’s age-specific toolkits and assistance for parents and children.
“I find immense value in being part of this campaign as it helps me identify areas where we can improve as a family,” Giovanna shared. “As parents, we often feel pressured to have all the answers, but Tesco Mobile’s resources and online hub make the process much simpler.”
Giovanna and Tom, who is a member of the band McFly and a children’s author, have two other sons aged seven and nine. These children have tablets that enable them to communicate with family members, play online games, and video call one another.
“It’s a means of communication, especially when Tom and I are away for work. It’s crucial for the kids to know they can reach us whenever necessary,” Giovanna explained.
“When our eldest started high school, we wanted him to have the ability to contact us. He uses one of our old smartphones with restricted functionalities. We aimed for it to be practical rather than a device to get lost in. The phone lacks internet access and is linked to Tom’s phone to prevent unauthorized downloads.
“Maintaining an open dialogue with him is key – explaining the implemented measures and their purpose is crucial for better understanding,” she added.
Giovanna also noted that excessive screen time is not only a concern for children but also for adults.
“Phones are not allowed in the bedroom, we refrain from using them at the dinner table, and whenever the kids are around, we try to minimize our phone usage,” she mentioned.
“Granting a child a phone with internet access means providing them with access to the entire online world. For us, it’s about gradually introducing this access based on their readiness,” she concluded.
Here are some tips to help your children stay safe online…
1. Establish a child account
When children receive a new device, setting up a child account facilitates better management of parental controls, screen time, and app access. These settings can be adjusted as the child grows.
2. Provide accurate age information
Ensure that your child’s actual age is input on their account. This helps activate appropriate safety measures automatically.
3. Activate safety filters
Confirm that safety and search filters are enabled across all search engines to block inappropriate content.
4. Utilize parental controls
Our Little Digital Helps Toolkit offers free age-specific support and advice to assist in selecting suitable controls for your family.
5. Sustain ongoing discussions
Regularly engage in conversations about online activities and smartphone usage. Meal times can be an excellent opportunity to inquire about what your child enjoys or finds challenging.
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