In light of reports over recent years about the content young children are exposed to through television and the internet, we wanted to share some resources and tips with you. As well-being champions and wanting to promote the development of all of our children, it is crucial that we take an active role in monitoring and guiding their media consumption, even when it carries the seemingly innocent “U” certification.

This can be even more difficult when there are older siblings in the house, when children move on to primary school or when friends or relatives visit.

Our top priority is to foster a safe and enriching environment for our children, one that nurtures their growth, stimulates their imagination, and ensures their emotional well-being. Television and the internet, while offering immense educational and entertainment opportunities, can also expose children to content that may not be suitable.

Research has shown that indiscriminate exposure to inappropriate content at a young age can have lasting effects on a child’s behaviour, cognitive development, and emotional stability. Therefore, we urge all parents to be proactive in managing and filtering the content their children consume, regardless of the “U” certification.

Hints and tips:

To support you in this, we have compiled a list of practical tips to guide your approach:

  1. Active Engagement: Watch or explore media content with your child whenever possible. By actively engaging in their media experiences, you can address any questions or concerns that may arise and provide valuable guidance.
  2. Monitor language and Behaviour: if your child’s language or behaviour changes where your child is mimicking or role playing characters please do take special note and if appropriate withdraw the viewing.
  3. Parental Controls: Take advantage of parental control features available on TVs, streaming platforms, and internet browsers. These controls enable you to restrict access to age-inappropriate content and manage screen time effectively.
  4. Content Reviews: Prior to allowing your child to view a particular programme or website, take a few moments to read reviews and ratings.

For more information

The British Board of Film classification can be very useful British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) | BBFC

NSPCC is an expert source in this area Use Parental Controls to Keep Your Child Safe | NSPCC

Teaching Your Child about Internet & Online Safety | NSPCC

Stay tuned for more updates and news from us!