3 easy steps to choosing safer tech for your child

Children of all ages want to get their hands on tech – whether it’s for schoolwork, gaming, or chatting with friends. But where do they start, and how can you protect their online safety?

For many parents, it can be an overwhelming task. Understanding the constantly developing world of tech and gadgets, and the implications for our children’s privacy and wellbeing, can seem like a minefield. And that’s before you even think about fiddly parental controls and security settings – which can vary hugely between devices. 

We’ve spoken to the experts at EE and put together a handy checklist for choosing the right tech for whatever stage your child is at. Here are our three easy steps for choosing tech so children can go online safely.

1. Make sure devices are age-appropriate

Maybe you’ve just upgraded your smartphone and simply handed over your old ‘brick’ for your toddler to play with. But before the screen lights up, always consider whether the device is age-appropriate.

For example, if your child is under five, thinking about a durable, child-friendly tablet with lots of educational and interactive games is a good idea. Not only will it be the right design and operating system for them to interact with, but the parental controls are often easier to use too.

An older child will appreciate the inclusion of video apps and more sophisticated online games. You may even want to give them a games console where they can play and chat with their friends. EE’s new Smart Hub Plus comes with Wi-Fi Controls that allow you to tailor device-level filters at the touch of a button, for every family member, and even set screentime limits. It’s ideal for making bedtime that much easier too.

Teenagers will almost certainly want a smartphone packed with their social feeds and messaging platforms, while a laptop for schoolwork and creative pursuits is important too. For anyone using a mobile phone for the first time, EE’s PhoneSmart course makes sure they develop healthier, safer online habits whether at home or on the move.

2. Clean up old devices

If you’re wondering if an older phone or console will do the job just as well, you’re not alone. Pester power means parents often spend more money than they need to on technology. Buying second-hand or refurbished devices or cleaning up your old phones and tablets and making them safe for your child to use, can be an effective way to save money.

Whether it's a smartphone, tablet, or computer, you can safeguard your child’s personal information and create a safe environment. Carrying out a factory reset, updating operating systems, and setting strong passwords or biometrics is an excellent place to start. EE has also partnered with Norton to offer enhanced cyber security, so your Wi-Fi is ready for ransomware, viruses, spyware, malware and other online threats.

3. Consider how they’ll want to use it

Just like your own devices, it's essential to consider day-to-day usage. And whether each device's memory and storage meets your kid’s needs. For example, memory, also known as 'RAM', plays a crucial role in how a device runs applications, browsers, and the operating system. And when it comes to storage, if your child takes 10 photos a day, then a standard 16GB smartphone might fill up in just over a year.

But the more they are streaming and downloading over the home Wi-Fi, or even creating their own content, the more it increases the risks they might face online. Thankfully, because EE’s Smart Hub Plus lets you tailor the settings of what your child can and can’t do online – it’s much easier for parents to give children the freedom to explore safely.

Apps, especially gaming apps, are growing bigger every year. According to data from Sensor Tower, the average mobile game file size increased by at least 76% from 2016 to 2020 alone, with many games now standing at approximately 264MB. Considering the apps and files your child may store, you might want more GBs in the device to ensure they have enough storage space.

If your child is using tech for gaming, then check out Internet Matters and the cyber safety organisation’s handy guide to age ratings, as well as tips on using parental controls. It’s a go-to for anyone wanting to make an informed choice.

For more tips on how to make going online fun, accessible and safe for kids, visit ee.co.uk/learn