My child already has a phone—what can I do?

If your child already has a smartphone, don’t panic! Here are strategies to keep them safe online.

  1. Talk to your child and other parents.

    Open communication with your child about their phone use is essential for their safety and wellbeing. By talking openly, you help them understand the benefits and risks of technology, build trust, and encourage responsible habits. Make sure to reassure them that you won’t tell them off if they share something with you, so they feel safe coming to you with concerns. These conversations empower children to make safer choices online and give them the confidence to seek help when needed.

  2. Keep devices out of bedrooms at night.

    Our number one tip is to keep all internet-connected devices out of your child’s bedroom at night. This will not only greatly benefit their sleep but also protect them from the darker side of the internet - including pornography, cyberbullying, and grooming.

  3. Set up screen time limits and use parental control apps.

    It is very important to set up your child’s smartphone safely so they cannot download apps without your consent - this will also prevent them from downloading a VPN. A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, allows users to bypass most parental controls. With free VPN apps, children can access almost anything online, including content you may not want them to see. You can watch some helpful guides here.

  4. Use Parental Controls

    No parental control system is perfect; children can often find ways to bypass them. However, if your child has an internet-connected device, we recommend using parental controls as an added layer of protection.

    Important:

    Parental controls should not be relied on as the sole method for keeping your child safe online.
    Use them alongside open communication, supervision, and education about safe and responsible device use.

    By combining technology with guidance and discussion, you can create a safer digital environment without giving a false sense of security.

    Parental Control Options: Features and Limitations

    Parental controls help manage and monitor children’s device and app usage, but no system is completely foolproof. Here’s a breakdown by type, cost, and limitations:

Free Options
Mid-Range Options
Premium Options

5. Encourage activities that help your child disconnect from their phone.

It’s important not just to take away devices and screen time, but to offer meaningful alternatives. For younger children, encourage free play, take them to the park, explore new hobbies, and invite friends over. With teenagers, it can be harder, but encourage them to meet friends in real life, play sport, go for a walk, or focus on their studies. Remember,  it’s not about taking screens away-it’s about giving childhood back.

6.  Consider deleting social media apps or switching to a basic phone – it’s never too late.

It’s never too late to change your approach. If your child’s smartphone isn’t benefiting them, or if certain apps are addictive and taking up too much of their time and attention, it’s worth reviewing their phone use. Consider what’s truly in your child’s best interest - this could mean removing the web browser, deleting specific apps, or even switching to a basic phone. Small changes can have a big impact on their wellbeing.