Top Tip
Think About What You Share
When posting photographs, ask yourself: Why am I posting this? Is it a positive memory or do you want people to comment / like your photo so you feel better?
Top Tip
It Doesn’t Have To Cost
Many activities are free for children and young people. Your school or local council website should have this information available.
Top Tip
Only Use Your Location When You Have To
Turn off your location on your phone unless you really need to use it (like searching for an address on maps).
Top Tip
Make Time For Friends
Make time for friends. Hang out with friends outside in nature.
Top Tip
Are You Happy For People To See This?
When posting something, think about who might be able view this apart from your friends and followers. Would you be happy for an adult you know (or don’t know) to find this online? Would you be happy for someone to find this in ten years time? Is your post true to who you are?
Top Tip
Stay In Touch
Social media and screens can be really great for staying in touch with friends and family – especially those living far away or working away from home.
Top Tip
Make Your Password Impossible To Guess
Make sure you have a password that is not easy for people to guess. Use a mix of upper and lower case letters, numbers and other characters on your keyboard. Make sure that you use different passwords for different sites.
Top Tip
Only Social Media Sometimes!
“Social media is good for communication but using it for too long can become an unhealthy obsession. Solution: don’t use social media for too long each day. Set time limits.” Sydney, age 11
Top Tip
Try A Team Sport
Join a team sport to stay fit and make new friends.
Top Tip
Don’t Be A Bully!
“Don’t send mean texts. Never hide the fact someone’s bullying you. Online bullying hurts. It really hurts. It doesn’t end well for anyone. Don’t do it!” Abbie, aged 10
Top Tip
Set Screen Limits
Set screen limits. “Limit your screen time because it can damage your eyes and you can have negative thoughts. It might also make you unhealthy, unfit and sad.” Sarah age 9
Top Tip
No Tech, Just Talk
“No phones at breakfast, lunch and dinner. Talk to each other!” Amber, MCP aged 10
Top Tip
Create A List
Write down a list of things you would like to do with your family or friends.
Top Tip
Eat Together Regularly
Try to set time for a family dinner every week (at least once).
Top Tip
Learn About Your Friends
Focus on learning more about your friends, their likes and dislikes, their interests and hobbies. Try to find things you might like to do together, instead of scrolling on phones.
Top Tip
Be Curious
“Ask your friends and family questions. Be curious and be kind. Have bigger conversations to have bigger bonds” Tyler, aged 10
Top Tip
Keep Your Profile Safe
“Make sure to lock and keep your profiles private.” Rudi, MCP aged 9
Top Tip
Be A Great Friend
Look out for your friends and help them when their having tricky days. Stand by their side and make them know that you’re there for them if they need you.
Top Tip
Be Careful Who You Share With
“Social media can be dangerous. You need to be careful about who you’re giving your private information to.” Jessica, aged 11
Top Tip
Put Away Your Phones
When you’re spending time with friends, agree to switch off or put away phones.
Top Tip
Meet For Real
“Reconnect with your friends and give the phone a rest. You can set a time for yourself to be on it for so you’re not on it for too long. And then you can go outside and play more.” Abbie, aged 10
Top Tip
Make Time To Do Things Together
With your friends and families, set aside time to play board games, watch movies, do sports and activities such as crafting and cooking together.
Top Tip
Pause The Chat
Agree with your friends to pause group chat conversations or online games at a good time for everyone to get enough sleep. This way, you won’t feel you’re missing out.
Top Tip
Stay Hidden
“Never reveal your location. Don’t turn on your webcam.” Ethan age 9. Make sure to switch off ‘location’ for your camera. Many photographs you take will hold private information that can be easily reached – including where you are at any moment.
