The internet can be great for children and young people.
They can connect with family and friends and access a wealth of information and learning through social media, websites, apps and games.
But it can also be a concern if something starts to go wrong.
Supporting your child to stay safe online can be daunting. It can be difficult to find the information you need or report a problem.
The advice and websites listed below can help.
The statistics (according to Ofcom, 2019):
Children as young as 3-4 years old have access to a tablet, while 45% of 5-15-year-olds own their own.
35% of children own a smartphone and this increases to 83% for 12- 15 years. 62% of 11-year-olds and 69% of 12-year-olds have a Facebook page, despite the minimum age being 13 years.
Conversations, agreements and controls
There are several things you can do to keep your child safe online.
Having a conversation and taking an interest in their online activity can often be the first step.
It is useful to know what your child is doing online, what websites they are visiting, what social media, apps and games they are accessing and who they are in contact with.
You can set up an agreement with your child about their online activity. Use parental controls and filters to help keep your child safe.
Links
The following links will help you:
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start the conversation with your child
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become aware of the platforms they are using
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support them to stay safe while online
NSPPC: parental controls and filters
Advice on setting up parental controls to help you keep your child safe online
Internetmatters: Digital Resilience Toolkit
Toolkit to help your child become resilient online. There is also age specific information.
Risks
Children and young people take risks online and offline. It's part of growing up.
The risks that children and young people take online can include:
- viewing content that is harmful
- making contact with people they do not know
- conducting themselves differently to the way they would in the real world
Children and young people will take these risks online for a range of reasons. They can have fewer inhibitions and not fully understand the implications of the online world.
It is important to be aware of your child’s online activity so you can provide support, as children can be less protected when they are online.
Links
The links below provide information and advice around topics such as:
- inappropriate or explicit content
- gaming
- online dating sites
- online bullying
NSPCC: online safety
Information on the risks and advice on specific topics to help you keep your child safe online.
Thinkuknow
Information and advice for parents and carers around specific topics and age appropriate information.
NSPCC: bullying and cyberbullying
Advice and information to support your child around online bullying.
Common Sense Media: What should I do if my kid is bullied online?
What you should do if your child is bullied online.
Reporting concerns and CEOP
If you feel something isn't right you can get help.
NSPCC
If you would like to discuss your concerns or are worried about a child, you can call the NSPCC helpline on 0800 800 5000 or email help@nspcc.org.uk
Thinkuknow: reporting to CEOP
Advice and support if you need to report an incident to CEOP.
CEOP
CEOP is the Child Exploitation and Online Protection command. If you're worried about abuse or the way someone has been communicating online, let CEOP know.
Relationships, sex and growing up
Relationships happen for young people on and off-line.
Conversations with your teenager about online safety can overlap with discussions about relationships, sex and growing up.
Speakeasy e-learning units encourage positive communication around relationships, sex and growing up.
Reviews of movies, TV, apps and games
Develop a better understanding of the movies, TV programmes, apps and games that your child is viewing and using with Common Sense Media.