Online Family Resources

Where to start?

Digital safety is strongest when parents and children approach it as a team. 

Establishing your family's media values with your children is one of the most important things you can do. Children are curious about what the boundaries are for their internet access. By establishing the boundaries together, you will achieve greater success.   (Ref: Defend Young Minds)

3 steps to help you get started:

Explore Parental Controls

Take a look through Commonsense Media's "Parent's Ultimate Guide to Parental Controls."  Parental controls can be applied to individual apps, devices and home networks.  Subscription services like Bark, Qustodio and NetNanny will allow you to filter content and monitor all of your child's devices.  


Google Safe Search

This feature is active for all students when they are signed into their ISM Google Account

Parental Controls

Healthy Digital Lifestyle 

Agree boundaries

Be clear what your child can and can’t do online – where they can use the internet, how much time they can spend online, the sites they can visit and the type of information they can share. Agree with your child when they can have a mobile phone or tablet.

Explore together

The best way to find out what your child is doing online is to ask them to tell you about what they do and what sites they like to visit. If they’re happy to, ask them to show you. Talk to them about being a good friend online.


Put yourself in control

Install parental controls on your home broadband and any internet-enabled devices. Explore Common Sense Media's, Parents' Ultimate Guide to Parental Controls for information on types of parental controls available. 


Stay involved

Encourage them to use their tech devices in a communal area like the lounge or kitchen so you can keep an eye on how they’re using the internet and also share in their enjoyment.


Talk to siblings

It’s also a good idea to talk to any older children about what they’re doing online and what they show to younger children. Encourage them to be responsible and help keep their younger siblings safe.

Search safely

Use safe search engines such as Kiddle, Swiggle or Kids-search. You can save time by adding these to your ‘Favourites’. Safe search settings can also be activated on Google and other search engines, as well as YouTube.

Check if it’s suitable

The age ratings that come with games, apps, films and social networks are a good guide to whether they’re suitable for your child. For example, the minimum age limit is 13 for several social networking sites, including Facebook and Instagram. Use the reviews and comments from commonsensemedia.org to guide your decision on its suitability for your family. 

Get familiar with social media safety

Social media sites are a huge favourite with children, allowing them to stay in touch with friends over chat, meet new people with similar interests, and share photos and videos. Watch this short video for tips on better understanding social media with your child, 'The Problem with Parents, Kids, and Social Media.'

Online Family Resources

Common Sense Media Grades K - 8 Parent Pack

5 Questions to Ask Before You Get Your Kid a Phone
9 Social Media Red Flags Parents Should Know About
Apps to Help Keep Track of What Your Kids Are Doing Online
Easy, Free Browser Hacks to Make the Internet Safer for Your Kid
How Do I Keep My Kid Safe on the Internet
Strategies for Getting Kids off Devices
What Can I Tell My Kid to Do if He or She Is Being Cyberbullied?
A Parent's Ultimate Guide to YouTube

Ask for support from our Tech Coordinators

You can book an appointment with either of our Technology Coordinators, Ms. Polly von Bodungen or Mr. Pyae Sone Kyaw (Pete). No question is too small or too big, together we will create the best learning environment for your child.

All resources on parentconnect website are collated for your consideration. Please use your own judgement and research to evaluate if they are suitable for your family.