Virtual playdates

When not being able to meet with others f2f as for example during the COVID-19 pandemic but also because friends have moved away or somebody is sick, you can arrange a virtual play date over your preferred video conferencing app to help children feel more connected with their friends.
Some video conferencing apps, like Skype and Houseparty, have features available like games and filters that can be fun for kids to use. Explore these together and agree some rules around which ones they're allowed to use and when.

Apps like Zoom and Skype regularly update their safety and privacy settings so check for any new ones that could help keep them safe. Also use this opportunity to go over some rules around using video apps safely. You should remind them to:

Never share a link to a video chat without checking with you first.

Never click on a link to a video chat that they're sent by someone they don't know.