YouTube

YouTube is intended for users over the age of 13, however the App store rates YouTube as 17+ due to the content that can be found on there.

How can I make YouTube safer?

• Turn on Restricted mode as this restricts the availability of mature content. You will need to set up a Google account to do this.
• Explore YouTube together and see what they like to watch. Make sure your child understands that they can talk to you if they see anything that makes them feel uncomfortable online.
• Ensure your child knows how to report inappropriate content.

 

YouTube Kids  

YouTube recommends that YouTube Kids is used for children under the age of 13 as it provides a safer environment and offers greater controls (you can select the shows that you would prefer them to watch).

Find out how to set up the parental controls here: https://support.google.com/youtubekids/answer/6172308?hl=en-GB

Posting videos

You should be over 13 years of age to post videos. Talk to your child about posting videos; do they understand what information they should keep private and what to do if they receive negative comments? YouTube have produced these tips: https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2802244?hl=en-GB

Should I let my child set up a YouTube account? This article features the benefits and risks of using YouTube and their top tips: https://www.net-aware.org.uk/news/should-ilet-my-child-set-up-a-youtube-account/

Minecraft

Minecraft is rated 7+ or 12+ depending on which version you are playing.
Minecraft remains ever popular and can be a great learning tool that is often used in schools to teach planning skills, recreate famous buildings in 3D and coding. Players use building blocks to create their own worlds.

If your child is playing Minecraft, then you need to ensure that it is being played safely.

What should I be aware of?  

• Multiplayer – children can interact with others (including strangers), you can switch this option off within settings.
• Creative or survival mode? Creative mode removes the survival elements of the game (no monsters) so may be a more appropriate mode for your child to play.
• Chat facility – you do have the option to switch this off.
• Block and report players – as with any game that your child plays with others, make sure they know how to block and report players within the game.

In addition, protect your child’s privacy by using a nickname (don’t include their age/birth year) rather than their real name for their profile and chat to your child to make sure that when playing online they know not to tell others personal information such as where they live, what school they go to and their age.

Set up appropriate parental controls
Don’t forget to make sure you have set up appropriate parental controls dependent on the device your child is using to play Minecraft.