Be there for grandkids

Around 10 million grandparents in the UK support in the day to day care of children.

Children have grown up in a digital world, and given half a chance will spend hours on their tablets or phones.

Some grandparents may feel they are out of their depth when it comes to technology, but more than ever children need a guiding hand to stay safe.

Grandparents and their grandchildren have a special relationship, and we want to give grandparents the confidence to take care of children as they explore the online world.

It can be a wonderful place of connection, entertainment and creativity, but there are dangers.

The good news is you don’t need to be a digital expert to help keep children safe:

1. Be interested in what your grandchildren are doing online: ask them to show you how it works, the games they are playing, what they like to watch and who they enjoy talking to.

If the people seem a bit too old, the games or films too scary or brutal, or your child is sharing too much with strangers – gently say so. Trust your instinct. 2. Negotiate boundaries: for example, limit time on the internet, and check that the games and apps are age appropriate.

Coax them to spend time with you offline playing games or going for a walk.

It’s these times they will remember.

3. Let them know you are there for them.

If anything they read, see or hear online worries or scares them you have a lot of life experience and will try to help.

4. Try using apps and social media yourself – ask your grandchild to show you how!

5. Look out for signs that your grandchild is unusually sad or withdrawn, or seem anxious or upset.

Let them know they can tell you anything. To learn more or get help, visit www.kidscape.org.uk Lauren Seager-Smith Chief Executive Officer, Kidscape,London