A new class, a shiny new backpack and freshly sharpened pencils: the start of the school year comes with plenty of new things. But if your child is also becoming more independent online this year, add this to the checklist: a solid digital foundation. Because all those group chats, school platforms, passwords, games, photos and screen time can feel pretty overwhelming. So take a moment before the first weekof school to go through it all together.
Check usage
A device is never just “for school”. It is also used for messages, videos, games and contact with classmates. So take a look together at an ordinary school day: when does your kid need it, when can they use it to unwind, and when does it go away? That’s where your digital foundation begins.
Read more about screen time, resisting temptation and settings (when to use them and when not to).
Check apps
Screens are full of apps: school apps, calendars, email, games, chat groups and homework platforms. So check whether everything still works and is up to date. Can your child still log in? Do they know where their passwords are stored? Have old apps been removed and important apps updated? Getting this sorted now helps prevent hassle once school starts again.
Read more about mindful digital behaviour in the Set-up Guide, with agreements on passwords, phishing and location sharing, among other things.
Set privacy and safety correcly
Go through the settings for contacts, notifications, location, purchases and privacy together. Turn on screen time, app limits or parental controls where
Read more about useful settings in the Set-up Guide.
Prepare fo hassle
Group chats, games and school platforms can be useful, but they can also create serious pressure. Talk in advance about what your kid can do if lots of messages come in, someone forwards a screenshot, or a gaming friend asks which school they go to.
Read more about sending messages, game chats and grooming.
Give your kid a few useful phrases
Make resilience concrete. Give your kid phrases they can actually use, such as: “I’ll reply later”, “I don’t want this”, “I’m not forwarding this”, “I’ll ask at home first” or “Stop, I’m not okay with this.” .”
You can find more conversation starters under Together in the Parent Guide. Or order the Let’s Chat Conversation Cards (questions without the lecture).
You really don’t have to turn it into a family meeting. Just ten minutes of going through their device, apps and the agreements together is often enough to prevent trouble later. Better for your kid — and it may help you sleep at night a little easier too.
