Digital Safety for Foster Children: A Guide for Foster Carers
In today’s world, many foster children arrive with smartphones, social media accounts, or access to gaming platforms. For carers, understanding digital safety is now as important as managing routines or emotional needs.
Why digital safety is especially important in foster care
Children in care may be more vulnerable to:
- Online grooming and exploitation
- Cyberbullying
- Contact with birth family members without consent
- Exposure to harmful content
Their past experiences can increase risk, and their use of digital tools may be a coping mechanism or source of conflict.
Practical digital safeguarding tips:
- Set up parental controls
Use device settings and apps like Google Family Link or Apple Screen Time to manage access and monitor use. - Have open conversations
Instead of strict bans, talk openly about online risks, healthy boundaries, and emotional triggers related to social media. - Review friend lists and privacy settings together
Encourage children to think critically about who they’re connected with and what personal information they’re sharing. - Document concerns
Keep a log of any red flags and inform your social worker immediately if anything seems unsafe.
Beacon’s support for digital safeguarding
Beacon Fostering provides digital safety guidance during training and offers ongoing advice for any concerns. You’re not alone in managing these modern challenges.
Tip: Make digital safety a shared goal, not a power struggle. Empowering children helps build trust.
If you’re interested in fostering, share your details with us here.