Parents: how can you support your child when it comes to screen time and online risks? Watch the recording of our webinar

On 22 September, the e-Enfance / 3018 Association organised a webinar for parents to help them better support their children in their use of digital technology.

Social media, screen time, cyberbullying, mobile phones, family discussions… Digital use now plays a significant role in the lives of children and teenagers and raises many questions for parents.

How can you set boundaries without breaking the dialogue? To what extent should you monitor your child’s mobile phone?
How should you react when your child encounters a problem online? And, above all, how can you encourage them to ask for help when they need it?

Dialogue remains the primary means of prevention

Supporting a child in their use of digital technology does not simply mean monitoring their screen time or installing parental control tools.

The aim is also to create an environment in which children and teenagers know they can talk to an adult if they have a problem, without fear of having their mobile phone or access to social media taken away from them straight away.

It is therefore important to talk to them regularly about what they do online: the apps they use, the people they chat to, the content they watch and the situations they might find themselves in.

Set rules appropriate to the child’s age

Needs and the level of independence change as we get older.

With younger children, parents can provide more guidance on how they use technology: choosing apps, setting time limits, configuring devices, setting up parental controls, or helping them set up their first accounts.

During adolescence, the aim is gradually to shift this framework towards greater independence and a sense of responsibility.

Should you check your child’s mobile phone?

A teenager’s mobile phone is part of their personal space and social life.
Constant surveillance, or surveillance carried out without the person’s knowledge, can undermine the relationship of trust and make it more difficult to ask for help if a problem arises.

That does not, however, mean that parents should take no interest in their children’s digital habits.

Depending on the child’s age, maturity and the situation, it is possible to agree on rules together regarding use of the telephone and to explain clearly in which circumstances a parent may intervene.

In the event of danger or suspected violence, the priority is, of course, the young person’s safety.

The right responses to online violence

Cyberbullying, identity theft, sextortion, the unauthorised sharing of intimate images, threats, blackmail, malicious accounts…
A child or young person may be exposed to various forms of online abuse.

It is also important to remind the child that they can ask for help even if they have made a mistake, shared an image or accepted a request from someone they didn’t know.

The fear of being punished must not stop him from reporting a dangerous situation.

Cyberbullying: don’t face this situation alone

When a child is the victim of bullying or cyberbullying, adults should seek to understand the situation fully and keep a record of the facts.

Where the situation also involves the school, it is important to contact the relevant professionals so that appropriate action can be taken.

Every situation is different. The children’s ages, any special needs or disabilities must also be taken into account when supporting the young people concerned, whether they are victims, witnesses or perpetrators.

Gradually supporting teenagers towards independence

At the age of 16 or 17, parental support remains essential, even if the way it is provided is changing.

The aim is gradually to help young people develop their own instincts: to protect their personal information, recognise when a situation is problematic, respect other people’s consent, verify information, and know who to turn to when they encounter a problem.

Parents, grandparents and trusted adults: everyone can play a part

Digital support does not rely solely on parents.

Grandparents, close relatives, teachers, childcare workers, sports coaches or youth workers can also be trusted adults in a child’s life.

Their role is, above all, to be there for them, to listen without judgement and to help the young person identify the right support when they need it.