Internet safety

[Fostering11]

Hi all, we’ve been fostering our niece(14) for just over a week and could do with some advice on online safety. We let her have her Xbox in her room but she’s just started talking to her friend on it. We have a spare smart phone that she’d like to use.

What do you guys do with your teenagers? She’s very tech savvy. Being her foster carers as well as her Aunt, we have to be aware of fostering regs too.

any advice much appreciated 😊

We dont let any of our children take technology upstairs. Our oldest is 16 then 14 12 7. We see it not only as a safeguarding issue but as a rest issue enabling them to get undisturbed sleep and be away from any potential cyberbullying during sleeping hours.

I'd be wary of letting a vulnerable 14 yo have an Xbox in her room. Is there anyway that you can accommodate it downstairs?

Hello! It's great that you're thinking about online safety for your niece. Here are some tips that may help:

1. Set boundaries and guidelines: It's important to establish clear rules about what your niece can and cannot do online. This includes guidelines on the types of websites she can visit, what she can share online, and when she can use her devices. You should also consider setting time limits for device use and make sure that devices are turned off at bedtime.
2. Monitor online activity: Keep an eye on your niece's online activity, including her browsing history, social media use, and online messaging. This can help you identify any potential risks and intervene if necessary.
3. Use parental controls: Many devices and apps have parental controls that can help you restrict access to certain content or limit your niece's ability to make purchases or download apps without your permission. You should also consider setting up privacy settings on social media accounts to limit who can see her profile and posts.
4. Educate your niece: Teach your niece about online internet connections safety, including the risks of sharing personal information online, cyberbullying, and online predators. Encourage her to be cautious when interacting with people online and to come to you if she ever feels uncomfortable or unsafe.

Remember, fostering regulations may require you to take additional precautions when it comes to online safety. You may want to speak to a social worker or other professional to ensure that you're meeting all the necessary requirements.

I have a no technology in the bedrooms rule.
Recipe for disaster in our house, if we let him have anything in his room he’d be up all night gaming.