Young People and Technology

How do young people use the internet?

Apps: Each ‘app’ is a program that can do different things. 

Social Media: Social media is described as different websites and apps where you create a personal profile to communicate with others. Examples include Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat.

Gaming: Gaming can be a great way for young people to have fun. Games can help children:

• Learn problem-solving skills
• Work with others
• Grow confidence

Downloading or file sharing: Downloading is when you copy data, files or information from one device to another.

Instant messaging and ‘chat’: Instant messaging (IM) and ‘chat’ are messages sent (and received) in real time over the internet. You can also video chat if you have a computer or mobile device with a webcam or camera. Young people might talk to friends or family that live far away. 

Image and video sharing: For young people, image and video sharing can be a fun way to communicate with friends. Even though some apps may claim that content ‘disappears’, remind your child an image can still be copied, saved or stored. Once an image or video is sent, you can lose control over where it ends up. 

How can I help my child search the internet safely?

	Children under 10 It’s a good idea for adults to supervise children under 10, and explore technology with them. You can also use filtering software, parental controls and safe searching controls.
	Tweens (11 and 12) Tweens may want more freedom to explore the internet in private. Safe searching tips and parental controls may still be used. With your child, discuss safe internet use and talk to your child about what they should do if something upsets them online.