In this episode we meet our engaging and likeable young gang, as they get their first phone and embark on an amazing journey through the online world. An entertaining but thought-provoking intro that outlines some of the major themes and worries about keeping safe and being kind online.
Key issues covered
- Their first phone, joy for the child, worry for the parent.
- Social media as a force for the good and the bad.
- How the phone world can affect different characters and personalities.
- The importance of being a good digital citizen.
The wonderful and the worrisome
75%
of children view technology and the internet as important to their independence.
Source: Children’s Wellbeing in a Digital World, 2024 report from Internet Matters Children's digital wellbeing
55%
of parents believe that the benefits of their child being online outweigh the harms.
Source: Ofcom’s Children and parents: media use and attitudes report 2024
6 in 10
Despite most platforms having a minimum age of 13, six in 10 children aged 8 to 12 who use them are signed up with their own profile.
Source: The impact of smartphones and social media on children - House of Commons Library (parliament.uk)
2 in 3
children (67%) continue to report experiences online that are harmful.
Source: Children’s Wellbeing in a Digital World, 2024 report from Internet Matters Children's digital wellbeing
Some simple ways to support your child
The PhoneSmart Licence has been created in partnership with Internet Matters and We Are Futures. They offer some of the best advice and information to help you engage in your child’s online life and manage the risks they may face. So, you can be sure this entertaining and educational course will have everything you need to help make your children’s online life fulfilling, fun and, above all, safe.
Check out our articles to see what you can start doing today to make your child’s online world a safer one.