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The internet can be a fantastic tool and has the power to help children develop and grow into independent learners.

However, with all of its exciting and expanding potential, there are undoubtedly risks to young users and it’s natural to have reservations as a parent.

Luckily, there are plenty of strategies and simple techniques you can use to support your child’s online learning journey and foster a healthy relationship with the digital world.

We spoke to the Online Safety Director for the South West Grid for Learning, Ken Cornish to find out some of his top tips for parents.

1. Use parental controls – but don’t rely on them

Most modern devices and internet providers come with software and privacy settings designed to filter content and keep your child safe.

They’re really useful features that have become increasingly effective and sophisticated; most apps for children come with custom privacy settings, ‘report and block’ features and vetting processes designed to protect their young users.

These controls are crucial but try not to become complacent; they aren’t foolproof and can sometimes falter, especially if you forget to update your browsers or apps - as many of often do!

As your children grow up and become more tech savvy, they’ll also soon become naturally curious and discover ways to work around them. Parental controls are often the first port of call for internet safety but controls alone don’t necessarily shape a healthy relationship with technology.

2. Explore together

It’s easy to sit back and let your child use devices independently but remember phones and tablets are just tools so it’s up to you to show your child how to use them and get the best out of the resources they find.

Ken is a big advocate of physically monitoring a child’s use. “Sit with them and ask questions about what they’re doing; can I have a go? Show me how this works?”

Use it as an opportunity to communicate and learn together. This strengthens your bond together, and also starts to develop your child's critical thinking skills and curiosity about online content.

Communicating and exploring together helps your child develop a healthy relationship with technology that’s founded on social connection rather than isolation. We’re social creatures, after all, and the digital world is just an extension of our human need to build bonds and connect!

3. Talk with your child

It’s important to develop a safe space to talk and share. If your child tells you they’ve seen something inappropriate or upsetting, try not to panic.

Talk to them about it in a calm and non-judgmental way, and make it clear that they’re safe and have done the right thing in coming to talk to you.

Young children are deeply impressionable and intuitive. Be aware of how you talk about technology when you’re around them too. Try not to make phones or tablets objects of fear.

Ken reminds us that “everything should be phrased in a positive way.” Encourage them instead to ‘find websites with content you enjoy!’ Positive language empowers.

4. You can learn about the risks

Understanding the risks and dangers of the digital world is an important step in taking control as a parent. As Ken explains, “There’s often a misconception when it comes to technology that your children know more than you, but don’t be fooled because that’s usually not the case.”

You know a lot more than you think and, whilst you might not be as familiar with new apps or programmes, they’re still curious children trying to exert their independence.

Ken says, “The things they’re mostly exposed to are low level cumulative risks.” This could be feeling left out of friendship groups or receiving hurtful comments from classmates online on social media. “That’s not to say that big risks don’t exist but it’s often the small things that make a big impact.”

There are plenty of blogs and parent forums with helpful tips and information. Schools and teachers can offer advice too.

5. Lead by example

Check your own relationship with technology. What’s your screen time like? Are there screens in the bedroom? Do you take regular breaks?

Ken says “Whatever you ask your child to do, you have to do it too. This can often trigger a few uncomfortable home truths but don’t be too hard on yourself.

These devices are created to be addictive so you’re battling upstream against highly advanced algorithms and systems.” You won’t be perfect, but developing lasting healthy habits at home starts with you.

6. Don’t forget to have fun!

Between parental controls and managing screen time, it can be easy to forget how useful technology is. For all the potential dangers out there, there are also dozens of age-appropriate activities, games and resources at your fingertips.

Managing the digital world can feel overwhelming but the chances are you’re doing a lot of these things already. Manage your own relationship with technology and often the rest will follow.