Children being inquisitive and taking risks are natural parts of growing up. However, technology is changing the way young people can do this.
Below is information to help parents support their children to be safe online. Much of the information was taken from the excellent CEOP (Child Exploitation and Online Protection) site.
National Online safety
NOS have produced a series of free online safety guides for parents.
They are available here. No registration is required. They look like they are aimed at younger children, but the information is really useful.
Activity for children
BBC Bitesize has a great quiz to raise awareness of e-safety to young people.
Tips
Be involved in your child’s online life
For many of today’s young people, there is no line between the online and offline worlds. Young people use the internet to socialise and grow and, just as you guide and support them offline, you should be there for them online too. Talk to them about what they’re doing – if they know you understand they are more likely to approach you if they need support.
Keep up-to-date with your child’s development online
Be inquisitive and interested in the new gadgets and sites that your child is using. It’s important that as your child learns more, so do you.
Emphasise that not everyone is who they say they are
Make sure your child knows never to meet up with someone they only know online. People might not always be who they say they are. Make sure your child understands that they should never meet up with anyone they only know online without taking a trusted adult with them.
Know what to do if something goes wrong
Just as in the offline world, you want to help your child when they need it. See the section before for important to know when and how to report any problem.
Tools to keep my child safe
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| The Safer Internet Centre provides e-safety tips, advice and resources to help children and young people stay safe on the internet. | Parent Info is a website offering information on the wellbeing and resilience of children. |
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| Thinkuknow is an education programme from the National Crime Agency’s CEOP Command. Their site offers a suite of articles and guidance on all aspects of child internet safety. | Educate Against Hate provides practical advice and support to help all individuals with an interest in keeping children safe from the dangers of extremism. This site has been created by the Department for Education and the Home Office. |
Reporting Issues
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| The Internet Watch Foundation can help you if you need to get content removed from the internet. If your son or daughter has been involved in sexting and the images or videos have been posted online, then the IWF can help get them removed. | CEOP pursue those who sexually exploit and abuse children; prevent people becoming involved in child sexual exploitation and; protect children from becoming victims of sexual exploitation and sexual abuse. If you are concerned about your child being exploited, then make a report here. |
