The internet helps young people socialise, make friends, play games and learn, but it also exposes them to risks from grooming, and seeing inappropriate images. But parents can help.
Asking about your child’s online world, agreeing boundaries and helping them to make good choices and keeping lines of communication open are all important ways helping children stay safe online.
Here are some ways to help you keep children safe online
Regularly review and update privacy settings on social media platforms your child is using to control who can access their personal information.
Review your child’s friends and followers list on social media platforms, making sure that they only interact with people they can trust. Encourage them to be cautious of strangers and help them to report anything that worries them.
Teach your child about the risks of private messaging, emphasising the importance of not engaging with people they do not know and reporting any concerning. Talk to your child about what they can do and who they can speak to if they think an adult is speaking to them inappropriately, weather it be someone they know in real life or only online.
For more help and advice on these topics, visit Childnet.
Additional support available
Organisations like Childline, Internet Matters, and Childnet have resources available to support you. International for guidance on online safety and support for children experiencing online threats.
By encouraging open communication, educating children about online risks, and implementing safety measures, parents can empower their children to stay safe online.
If you want your child to use the internet safely, a digital safety plan can help. Your child needs to feel that it is theirs, but you should develop it together.
Concerned about a young person's online behaviour?
Contact our anonymous Stop It Now helpline to speak to our advisors. You don’t have to give us any identifying information, so can remain anonymous.
