Having a good anti-virus software that keeps all your files safe

Making sure all your system updates are done and that your firewall is active

Ensuring that the way we use the internet and digital technology does not have a negative effect on our mental or physical wellbeing

There aren’t any benefits. Time offline is wasted time

It gives the computer or console time to cool down

A healthy balance is important for friendships, relationships and hobbies, as well as good physical and mental health

Over 24 hours in one session can lead to swelling around the eyes

No. Just make sure they drink plenty of water and set their screens to low brightness, and they will be fine

Yes. The physical effects of excessive screen time can include obesity, fatigue, back and neck problems, eye strain and headaches

Nothing long-term, everyone gets angry or sad every now and then

Only if they get into arguments online or are involved in cyberbullying

Yes, there are a number of negative effects that may include mood swings, loneliness, anxiety and depression

Just cut off the internet and confiscate all devices when you want your family to spend time together

Don’t worry about it, your kids will come to you if they need anything

Establish agreed routines and boundaries with your family, and try to organise family activities so you can get together without being online

Not important! The security pop-ups are a waste of time and not worth reading

They are only important if your family is being cyberbullied or harassed online

Very important! Make sure you take the time to go through safety features with children on the sites they are using

• Tell them to stand up and fight back
• Include their friends in the argument, to get them to join in
• Start messaging the bully’s friends or contacts to let them know their friend is a bully
• Post the bully’s details online to humiliate them

• Close down all their social media accounts
• Change all their passwords immediately
• Keep the problem to themselves and don’t tell anyone
• Call the police

• Do not retaliate
• Speak to parents or another trusted adult as soon as they can
• Block and report the bully to the platform
• Save any evidence
• Get further support if needed

• Confront the bully publicly to make the victim aware that you are on their side
• Send a private message to the victim to check they are ok and let them know you are there for them
• Direct the victim to the local authorities as they should be able to help

• Name and shame the bully on social media
• Send the bully lots of online abuse as well as commenting on all of their personal posts
• Team up with the victim to find out where the bully lives and turn up at their home address

• Send a private message to let them know that you are aware of what is happening and are checking to see if they are ok
• Report any bullying or abusive behaviour to the website or platform where it is taking place, so they can take action
• Direct them to Cybersmile for support

Tell them to use different profile names so that no one will recognise them

Upgrade all firewall and malware software, always use a VPN and ensure personal files are encrypted and stored on a separate hard drive

Make sure they go through privacy and security tools together, as well as any reporting features. Learn how to use filters and mute tools to stay in control of who is allowed to view or post responses

Not much. You can only restrict internet access, but it’s easy to get around

You can block all social media, but that’s all

Allow you to filter out inappropriate content and monitor their activities on apps and social media