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Peninsula Kids
Home»Parenting Articles»Understanding the digital landscape & your children
Parenting Articles

Understanding the digital landscape & your children

Updated:July 14, 20215 Mins Read
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By Jessica Humphreys

Children are growing up in a technologically fuelled world everything they do will have some connection to the internet and as a parent it’s hard to keep up.

We’ve addressed some of the questions we are commonly asked by parents below:

WHAT AGE SHOULD I LET MY CHILD HAVE A SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNT?

This depends on the individual child, their maturity and their experience within the digital landscape. As a parent, it’s important to make sure you have regular and open conversations with your kids about the Internet and social media.

Whilst discussing dangers and how to handle them is important, it’s also worth discussing the many benefits that the Internet can provide.

Instilling fear in your children could discourage them from talking to you if they do face situations that make them uncomfortable or that they may perceive as dangerous for fear that you won’t let them online.

Facebook, What’s App, Instagram, YouTube and Snapchat all requires users to be 13 and over and even LinkedIn allows users to sign up from the age of 14. However, this doesn’t mean that children won’t sign up anyway using false information.

If you are going to permit your children to use a social networking site follow these helpful tips:

  • It’s your responsibility to ensure that you have a good understanding of the platform and how it works.
  • Depending on the age of your child it may be worth having them login on a communal iPad or computer so you can keep an eye on their activity.
  • Make sure that their account is private and that they can’t be found in a public search.
  • Connect with your child, follow them on Snapchat, make sure you are friends with them on Facebook but respect their privacy. If you see something that concerns you bring it up in a face-to- face discussion as opposed to commenting in a public space where you may embarrass them.
  • Do your research. Some applications like YouTube have a dedicated version just for children – kids.youtube.com

HOW DO YOU SUPPORT YOUNGER CHILDREN WHO ARE BEING INTRODUCED TO SOCIAL NETWORKING FROM SEEMINGLY INNOCENT GAMES?

We traditionally think of social networking sites as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat etc. However any site or application that enables people to communicate with one another is a social networking site and may potentially have risks.

In March this year, a Melbourne woman claimed a predator who purported to be Justin Bieber targeted her eight-year-old daughter asking for nudes on the app Musical.ly. The app, seemingly harmless enables users to create music videos and send them to friends.

HOW CAN YOU AVOID SITUATIONS LIKE THIS?

  • Many young children have access to an iPad for schoolwork meaning it’s important that you assess the privacy settings and ensure that they need your permission to download applications
  • Encourage your children to only use their iPad in a communal area like the lounge room where you can monitor their access
  • Before they start downloading apps discuss the potential risks involved and what they should do if someone they don’t know tries to add them or engage them in conversation

WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO ENSURE YOUR OLDER CHILDREN AREN’T KNOWINGLY ACCESSING ILLICIT MATERIAL ONLINE?

There are many online tools and plugins that enable you to block, restrict and monitor online access. It is important to consider your kid’s privacy before you go down this path and to be aware that there are multiple ways for them to access online content these days.

If you do believe that monitoring online access is the best path for you to go down you may want to consider a tool like Web Watcher www.webwatcher.com. This can be installed on phones or computers and offers blocking and recording enabling you to watch your child’s computer activity in real time.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF MY CHILD IS BEING BULLIED ONLINE?

Firstly, telling a child to get offline, to stay away from their computer or not to use the social networking site where they are being targeted is not realistic today.

If you find your child is being bullied there isn’t necessarily one right way to handle it, there are a number of complexities that need to be considered.

First, show encouragement and support for your child. Listen to them and consider their feelings in this. Attempt to determine if it’s an ongoing situation or a one off. Ask them if they have asked the person to stop and if they have blocked the individual or multiple people that may be involved.

From here, you need to determine whether you should report it to the school, sporting club etc. or potentially even the Police depending on the severity of the situation.

It’s important to keep the conversation going with your kids and provide emotional support along with the tools that can help them. The Children’s eSafety Commissioner has several resources available for parents as well as options for reporting cyber bullying www.esafety.gov.au


Jessica Humphreys is the founder and director of Social Concepts, a communications agency servicing the suburbs of Melbourne and the Mornington Peninsula. If you have any questions or would like Jessica to speak or run workshops at your school or sporting club please contact hello@socialconcepts.com.au
or (03) 8782 3751.

As published in Peninsula Kids – Winter 2017

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Hill & Ridge Community Market Nestled among the rolling hills and towering gums, the @hillandridgecommunitymarket is fast becoming a must-visit destination for locals and visitors alike. Held on the first Saturday of each month at the Red Hill Recreation Reserve, the market brings together a variety of stallholders showcasing the very best of the Mornington Peninsula and beyond. In 2024, the Red Hill Agricultural & Horticultural Society - proud custodians of the Red Hill Show since 1922 – embraced the opportunity to run the monthly market, ensuring it continues to thrive as a celebration of community, creativity and country life. From artisan breads and cheeses to handmade jewellery, clothing and homewares, there is something to delight every shopper. You’ll also find gourmet street food, coffee and sweet treats to enjoy as you wander through the bustling avenues of stalls. And of course, no visit is complete without supporting the local Scouts at their legendary scone stall, or grabbing a bacon and egg roll freshly cooked by the Red Hill Football and Netball Club. The Hill & Ridge Community Market is more than just shopping. It’s a place to meet friends, soak up the atmosphere, enjoy live music, and watch the kids’ faces light up with activities and entertainment. Families, foodies and curious browsers all find their place here. With free entry, easy onsite parking, and the warmest of community welcomes, it’s the perfect way to spend a Saturday. As the organisers say, it’s all about “good things in the heart of Red Hill.” The next Hill & Ridge Community Market runs from 9am–2pm on Saturday 1 st November at the Red Hill Recreation Reserve. https://www.hillandridgemarket.com.au/
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rIt’s our final Home Game in Frankston and it will be a Footy Spooktacular! 💥 Come watch the Hawks light up the field in an exciting finals contenders ladder battle PLUS take part in our Halloween festivities for all ages including: 🎃 HAWK-O-WEEN FUN ZONE (Opens 5 PM!) 👻 · Trick-or-Treating for all ages 🍬 · DJ spinning fright night hits 🎧 · Costume Parade on the ground at half-time! 🏆 · Spooky Styling: Face Painting, Hair Styling, & Airbrush Tattoos ✨ · Photo BOO-th and Roaming Entertainment 📸 Already have Halloween plans? Extend the fun, cheer on the team and join us from 5pm! Get your tickets now! 🎟️ Adults $15, Junior (Under 18) FREE https://www.ticketmaster.com.au/event/130062D7A6831FEB @hawthornaflw
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🎅🚨GIVEAWAY🚨🎅
Get ready, because Santa’s sleigh is making a very special stop this year…and it’s landing right at Caulfield Racecourse!

Melbourne’s Christmas Wonderland is an immersive, walk-through experience where every moment of Christmas has been beautifully brought to life. Every jingle, every bell, and every HO HO HO will create the most wonderful memory, reminding visitors of why the magic of Christmas is still the most prolific of all!

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Be sure to be following both our Facebook and Instagram pages, too!

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🎅🚨GIVEAWAY🚨🎅 Get ready, because Santa’s sleigh is making a very special stop this year…and it’s landing right at Caulfield Racecourse! Melbourne’s Christmas Wonderland is an immersive, walk-through experience where every moment of Christmas has been beautifully brought to life. Every jingle, every bell, and every HO HO HO will create the most wonderful memory, reminding visitors of why the magic of Christmas is still the most prolific of all! ⏩⏩We have 1 family pass (4 tickets) for opening night, Friday 28 November, 7pm valued at $125! Enter below by telling us which part of Melbourne's Christmas Wonderand you're most looking forward to? ✨⛸🤶🦌📮🏰 Be sure to be following both our Facebook and Instagram pages, too! Running from 28 Nov - 24 Dec 2025 you can find more info at https://www.melbourneschristmaswonderland.com.au/ And tickets from: https://www.ticketmaster.com.au/ *winner will be announced in this thread on 30/10.
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Bluey will release its first Christmas music single, Bluey Verandah Santa, featuring new and original music from the global hit animated series, on 7 November 2025. The four seasonal songs from the series’ award-winning composer Joff Bush and The Bluey Music team will be released on CD and music streaming services, via BBC Studios’ record label Demon Music Group. Plus, three of the tracks will be pressed on Bluey Verandah Santa 7” White Vinyl. The “Verandah Santa” track is available now on all streaming services. For Bluey music-themed activities and more, please visit the official Bluey website https://www.bluey.tv/bluey-music #bluey #verandahsanta
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Brand-New, Architecturally Designed Childcare Centre State-of-the-art learning for children 6 weeks to school years Trusted for Over 30 Years Locally owned and established since 1991 Limited placements remain Secure your child’s enrolment today For parents who want the very best, this centre brings together generations of experience and the Peninsula’s most dedicated educators Now Open - Book your tour today to meet the team (03) 5978 0808 enrolments@lgh.com.au 1408 Nepean Highway Mount Eliza 3930
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