Top 5 Tips for Keeping Your Family Safe with Tech Gifts This Christmas

There’s a good chance that your children’s Christmas list this year includes some form of technology—perhaps a shiny new smartphone, a smartwatch, or even a gaming console. Whenever you introduce new technology to your young person or your home, it’s crucial to start off on the right foot and ensure the devices are set up safely.

With that in mind, let’s unwrap some tips to help your family stay safe this festive season.

1. Research Before You Buy

Before hitting the checkout button, take a step back and do your homework. Ask your child why they want a particular device or game. Is it because their friends have it, or did an influencer rave about it? Understanding the context helps you decide whether the product aligns with your family’s values and needs.

Take time to:

• Read Reviews: Look for detailed reviews online or on our blog for insights into the age-appropriateness and safety features of apps and devices.
• Ask Around: Talk to other parents or guardians who might already have experience with the product. Their firsthand feedback can help you avoid surprises and provide valuable insights.
• Check Privacy Settings: Research whether the device or app collects unnecessary personal data. Not all products prioritise privacy, so it’s worth knowing in advance.

2. Set Up the Device Before Gifting

The excitement of opening a shiny new device on Christmas morning is unparalleled. However, setting up a device amidst the chaos of wrapping paper and holiday cheer isn’t ideal. Instead, take time beforehand to configure it properly.

• Parental Controls: Enable parental controls to manage app downloads, restrict content, and set screen time limits. Most devices have built-in tools for this, so familiarise yourself with them. Check out our parents’ app for helpful step-by-step guides on some of the most popular apps and parental controls.
• Privacy Settings: Adjust settings to limit data sharing. For example, disable location tracking if it’s not necessary.
• Factory Reset for Second-Hand Devices: If you’re gifting a pre-owned device, always reset it to factory settings. This ensures there’s no leftover data or malware from the previous user.

For smartwatches, consider turning off features like messaging or location tracking unless they’re essential. This not only simplifies usage but also adds an extra layer of safety.

3. Create a Family Agreement

Technology is most beneficial when it’s used responsibly. A Family Agreement can set clear boundaries and expectations for device usage. Think of it as a “contract” that everyone in the household agrees to and follows.

Include guidelines such as:

• Screen Time Limits: Define how much time can be spent on devices each day.
• Device-Free Zones: Set areas where devices aren’t allowed, like bedrooms or the dinner table.
• Approval for Downloads: Require children to get permission before downloading new apps or making in-app purchases.

We’ve made it easy to create your own agreement! Download our free Family Agreement template through our app by clicking here

4. Keep the Conversation Open

Even with the best parental controls, no system is foolproof. That’s why open communication with your child is key. Let them know they can come to you with questions or concerns about anything they encounter online.

Teach them to:

• Use Reporting Tools: Show them how to block or report inappropriate content or interactions.
• Recognise Red Flags: Discuss what’s acceptable online behaviour and how to spot scams or cyberbullying.
• Ask for Help: Remind them it’s always okay to seek your guidance if something feels off.

Regularly checking in about their online experiences builds trust and makes them more likely to come to you if issues arise.

5. Strengthen Your Home Network

Many tech gifts rely on a strong internet connection. Make sure your home Wi-Fi is not just fast but also secure. Update your router’s password to something robust and enable WPA3 encryption if available. You could also set up a guest network for visitors to prevent unauthorised access to your main network.

Final Thoughts

With a little preparation and planning, you can set your children up for a healthy relationship with the technology in their lives.

By researching purchases, setting up devices securely, establishing clear rules, and fostering open dialogue, you can ensure your family enjoys their tech gifts safely and responsibly.

From all of us, have a merry and safe Christmas! 🎄💻🔒

For more tips and resources, check out our blog and download our app for up-to-date guidance on tech safety.

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