Gifting a smart device to your child is not just for Christmas

In the run-up to Christmas, many parents are under pressure to purchase smart devices for their kids. As a parent myself, I’ve been there and empathise. The truth is, I held off on giving my own children an Xbox and smartphone until I was ready: ready to deal with the additional pressure of them both owning devices and having greater online access. Ownership brings a greater sense of entitlement to children, but it should also bring greater responsibility for parents.

Smart devices are a huge part of children’s lives. Our research shows how pervasive smart device ownership is among children, with many already having access to technology well before they hit their teenage years. More than half of children aged 8-12 own tablets (59%) and gaming consoles (57%) and just under half (49%) of this age group own smartphones, with smart device ownership reaching 100% by the age of 14.

While Christmas may be a peak time for gift-giving, other special occasions like birthdays or confirmations mean that we often find ourselves navigating the world of gifting smart devices all year. 

As Ireland’s online safety charity, we know firsthand that many parents are struggling with their children’s online access and feel overwhelmed by the prospect of navigating parental controls and talking to their kids about online safety. Parents must make informed decisions about when and how to introduce these devices into their children’s lives. It’s so important that we feel confident in making these decisions and don’t succumb to pressure to give smart devices and access to the latest games and apps before they’re ready for them, just because “such and such has one” or before we’ve had a chance to do our own research.

You can choose to delay giving your children access to smart devices, as the ramifications of children’s online access are real – and parents need to ensure they are adequately prepared for it. Our Left To Their Own Devices report highlights how a quarter of primary school pupils were “bothered or upset” by harmful online content such as scams, harassment, horror, or sexual material. This mostly occurred on YouTube (37%) and Roblox (23%), even though Roblox is widely perceived as a child-friendly gaming environment.

As parents, we play a vital role in empowering our children to use technology responsibly – the ultimate goal – and it’s essential we are involved in their online lives throughout childhood and into teenage years. As they grow older and gain more independence, we’ll need to trust that we have prepared them sufficiently well to apply the skills they’ve learned and exercise good judgement online, just as we trust them to cross the road safely when they’re ready. It’s all about striking the right balance between protection and independence.

But just like crossing a busy road, there are inherent risks involved in the digital world – cyberbullying, exposure to harmful content and contact (online grooming and sextortion), issues related to privacy (oversharing) and excessive screen time.

So what can we do to mitigate these risks? Ongoing guidance and parental supervision can help children be safer online. As a parent, you can set rules around device use and screen time. Use the built-in parental controls on devices to help manage what they can and can’t access, and for how long. Most importantly, don’t allow smart devices into bedrooms overnight and normalise charging them in communal areas in the house.

There are many benefits to children embracing technology in a positive way, whether it’s learning a new skill such as coding, engaging with educational apps, entertainment, or socialising online. However, we must always bear in mind that the internet wasn’t originally designed with children in mind. That’s why it’s essential to teach them how to value and protect their data, find a healthy balance between time online and offline activities, and treat people online as they would in real life.

It’s also important to normalise talking about what they’re doing and seeing online. Help children understand the difference between real and fake news, and teach them how to identify trustworthy sources, be sceptical of advertising, and recognise when someone is not who they say they are. Playing games online together, watching YouTube, or engaging online in ways that allow you to guide them through their digital interactions is a great way to bond while also modelling safe, responsible tech habits. 

When gifting a device, it’s important to approach it with intentionality and foresight, especially setting expectations around responsibility and safety. Instead of waiting for issues to arise, having a conversation before your child starts using the device is crucial. It’s not just about rules or restrictions, it’s about establishing an open line of communication and setting a tone of trust and support. You want your child to feel comfortable coming to you (without fear of punishment) with any concerns or problems, whether it’s about something or someone they encountered online. 

If you’re giving your child their first smart device this Christmas, sit down together and have those conversations so they don’t feel blindsided when problems do inevitably occur. Set clear expectations and let your child know that the device is a tool for learning, connection, and fun, but also comes with its own set of responsibilities. This could make all the difference when issues arise down the road, long after the wrapping paper is torn off and the excitement has begun!

Alex Cooney is CEO and co-founder of CyberSafeKids

Published Monday, 16th December, 2024 in the The Echo

The CyberSafeKids Christmas Gadget Gift Guide is available to download for free here.