Game Consoles & PC Gaming
Parental Controls
Setting parental controls on game consoles is not as hard as you may think. More often than not it only needs you to download an app and link it to your child's console.
You can then set time limits, restrict adult content and games and even power down the console from your phone. Here are some videos that explain more.
Parental Control Help Videos
Internet Matters
Internet matters is a website that we use often and promote families to use. It contains a wealth of useful information that can keep you up to date and help you manage your child’s safety whilst online. There are sections for setting controls on gaming consoles, streaming apps and social media. They also show you how to set controls via your internet provider. They provide step by step guidance, along with images to make this easy to follow. Internet Matters also provides advice and guidance for many issues, such as cyberbullying, screen time and online grooming.
More information on gaming parental controls and step by step guides on how to set them - Internet Matters [external link]
Family Media Use Plan
Modern media and technology can be fun, informative and a great way to explore, learn, develop and enhance our daily life. However it also comes with its fair share of risks and dangers and sadly all too often it’s used inappropriately without little or no thought about the consequences of misuse.
Modern media and technology has also had a major impact upon family lifestyles and without the appropriate measures in place can impact on the way families interact and socialise together. As we all approach a 24hr plugged in online society we risk losing those valuable activities that quality family time brings, such as face to face interaction, play time, exercise and the importance of spending time away from our screens and gadgets.
Creating a Family Media Plan allows your family to look at how modern media and technology can work best for you. By working together as a family you get to set the rules, to create the goals and aims around the use of all the devices within your home. You also get to set and agree the important times when everyone can stop, switch off and take a break from their screens and devices.
Creating a Family Media Plan is also a great place to start those often difficult conversations with your family around the risks and dangers they face online and allows you to set simple rules that make you all a lot safer. Remember to work together to agree your plan and revisit it often as your family grows and develops, but also to meet the every changing world of modern media and technology.
Family Media Use Plan Template [pdf document]
Online Safety
Keep your family safer online - Family Link [external link]
Screentime - Apple Screentime [external link]
Xbox - Family Settings [external link]
PlayStation - Parental Controls [external link]
Nintendo Switch - Parental Controls [external link]
Create & manage a child's account - Meta [external link]
Meta - Supervision [external link]
PEGI - Game Information [external link]
Internet Matters - A safe digital world [external link]
NSPCC - Online safety [external link]
CEOP - CEOP education [external link]
UK Safer Internet Centre - Helping children stay safe [external link]
Childline - Online safety [external link]
Smartphone Free Childhood - Resources for Parents [external link]