Give safe and smart with the eSafety gift guide

Fresh out of lockdowns for many, it’s going to be an interesting Christmas. Before you start your Christmas shopping list, make sure it’s a safe one too with the eSafety Commissioner’s guide on giving techy gifts.

Just like in Santa’s workshop, the awesome elves at the Office of The eSafety Commissioner never stop working for you and your family, especially over the holiday period.

Unlike Santa however, Julie Inman Grant - Australia’s eSafety Commissioner - doesn’t need her palms greased with bribes of milk and cookies to help you keep your kids happy all year round (but we’re sure she wouldn’t say no either).

And never has the team’s good work been more prevalent than with the eSafety Gift Guide - the online guide to giving tech and connected gifts the smart way this Christmas, making them as safe as possible for the young people you care about.

With the gaming obsession hitting younger age groups, Julie suggests; “Don’t play games with your child’s safety this holiday season.”

“There are some amazing gaming products on the market that can be both educational and entertaining for children and young people,”

“However, there can also be serious risks with online gaming, such as bullying, harassment and grooming on popular multiplayer and interactive games.”  

So, if you can’t hold out against pester power, you can at least help protect your young ones from tech-related Xmas safety hangovers.

Unfortunately, protecting your waistline against Xmas ham related hangovers is still up to you. But hopefully, soon, there will be government department dedicated to that too.  

Looking for a first phone?

Guide your giving to safety

This year especially, there’s plenty of popular technology available that’s particularly appealing as stocking fodder.

But, while something like a new smart watch or drone is a sure-fire way to dial up the smiles around the tree, there are several things that should be considered before you pick something out and start wrapping it up.

“There are some fantastic options out there, and internet-connected toys and devices do have great educational benefits. However, there can also be some dangers to those seemingly innocent gifts.” Julie said.

The long Chrismas list

The comprehensive guide covers a list of gifts longer than a Wall Street broker’s spoiled triplets’, with detailed info and recommendations on Virtual Reality, smartphones, 3D printers, robotic toys, smart home gadgets and gaming gear.

“They’re fun items that most kids want, but we also want parents and carers to be aware of the risks of these internet-connected items, and the precautions they can take,” said Julie Inman Grant.

“For instance, some devices may give away details of your child’s location, or there may be apps on smartphones or tablets that have a messaging function you may not know about.”

Read the list (and check it twice)

The full list of categories and devices is actually very impressive, even by Office of the eSafety Commissioner standards. Plus, it’s all pakaged in a very easy to use and colourful way, so you can quickly find the info you need to help you make the right decision.

Find recommendations for the likes of:

• Drones
• Smart toys
• Virtual reality
• Smartphones
• Tablets
• Wireless headphones and gaming headsets
• 3D printers
• Wearables
• Gaming
• Robotic toys
• Gaming memberships
• Smart home devices

Try reading the whole thing if you’re looking to kill some time before Christmas and help it arrive a little faster.  

When it comes to advice, it’s better to receive

Online safety is The Office of The eSafety Comisioner’s specialty. Find peace of mind this holiday season and explore the guide for the latest expert advice on all things tech and youth related, or find research and analysis of the latest trends and online behaviours leading to deeper understandings and better resources.

Looking for a Christmas gift?

Explore our Family Hub for more great advice and information.