The start of the school year is a time of renewal for the whole family, but it is also an opportunity to rethink children's use of digital technology. Smartphones, tablets, online games and social networks are now part of their daily lives, with all the opportunities... and risks that this entails.
To ensure that this recovery takes place under the right conditions, Supporting your children in this digital independence is essential to ensure they fully enjoy the benefits of digital technology, while remaining protected and developing responsible habits. By setting clear rules, communicating and leading by example, parents can make this new school year a positive and safe experience.
Establish a clear family framework
First and foremost, establish rules for digital use. For these rules to be effective, it is essential that they apply to the entire family, including parents, even though some rules may vary depending on the child's age.
Here are the key points to address:
- Timetables and screen time (not at the table, not at night in the bedroom).
- Screen-free space (for example, at mealtimes or in the bathroom).
- Accepted uses (games, messaging, videos).
Tip: A “family digital charter” displayed at home helps everyone to understand the rules. For this to be successful, it is important that parents set an example by following these rules themselves.
Supervise with parental controls
Parental control solutions make it possible to restrict certain content, prevent unwanted purchases and manage screen time, especially for younger children.
Caution : it is about support, not total supervision. The key is trust and dialogue!
First phone: the smartest one isn't always a smartphone!
For many, starting secondary school means getting their first mobile phone. Before rushing out to buy a smartphone:
- Consider a dumbphone (a phone limited to calls/text messages).,
- or a secure model with parental control options.
The idea: learning to manage digital autonomy step by step.
First social networks: securing settings
When it comes to opening an account (TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, etc.), do it together:
- Respect the legal age : No social media before the age of 13, and before the age of 15, registration must be accompanied by a parent.
- Consider teen accounts: Some social networks such as Instagram and TikTok have launched “teen accounts” that limit contact with users and what they can see.
- Help him to adjust your privacy settings and limit geolocation
- Advise him in choosing one's username
Focusing on dialogue and awareness-raising
Tools will never replace listening and communication.
- Emphasise the positive aspects while explaining the risks to them: online harassment and violence, inappropriate or offensive content, scams, blackmail, risks to mental health, etc.
- Establish a climate of trust and listening, Talk to your child about their feelings and online activities.
- Encourage your child to come and see you if they have any doubts
- Set an example with your own practices.
Reflecting on sharenting
Posting photos of your children may seem harmless, but each post contributes to their digital footprint, and every photo or piece of information published leaves a lasting trace. Worse still, they can provide valuable information for malicious individuals or predators (first name, age, school, place of residence, travel routes, etc.) and be misused for paedophile purposes.
The right reflexes to adopt:
- Ask for their opinion, even if they are small.
- Give preference to photos in which they are not identifiable.
- Never publish photos where your child is in an embarrassing, vulnerable or intimate situation.
- Check the confidentiality of your accounts and ensure that you share your memories within a truly private circle.
If you encounter any problems, please call 3018.
Despite all these precautions, a child may still be exposed to cyberbullying or digital violence.
3018 is the single helpline number:
- free, anonymous, confidential, available 7 days a week from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.,
- by telephone, chat on 3018.co.uk or via the 3018 app
Practical advice : Talk to your child now and install the app on their phone together. That way, they will know exactly where and how to ask for help if they need it.
Implement good digital habits as soon as the new term begins allows prevent risks while enjoying the benefits of the online world. As parents, your role is to accompany, from discuss and from set an example. Tools are available to help you, but nothing can replace open communication and trust. By following these tips, you will equip your children for a smooth start to the school year and a safer, more balanced digital life.
