Online safety
The internet has created fantastic new opportunities for children to learn, play and connect, however it has created some big risks as well.
Children and young people use the internet for a wide variety of reasons, but often they may not be fully aware of the risks this can present or that not everyone may be who they say they are.
As a parent it is important to talk to your child about the possible risks and encourage them to tell you if they are worried or upset about anything they have seen or heard online.
For more information about safety, and parent's questions answered, please visit the Barnardo's website.
Top Tips
- Start discussions about your child’s online life
- Discuss the potential dangers together
- Set boundaries around online behaviour and technology use and consider using parental controls on any devices your child uses to stop your child accessing inappropriate sites and content
The following organisations provide a range of useful information and advice for children, young people, parents / carers and professionals:
CEOP (Child Exploitation and Online Protection)Advice about online abuse and child sexual exploitation and how to report it
Childnet Working to help make the internet a safer place for children. Help and advice for parents
Family Lives Advice for parents / carers to keep young people safe online
NSPCC Provide advice on keeping children safe online and tips on bullying and cyberbullying
Thinkuknow Advice for children, young people and parents / carers to stay safe when using a phone, tablet or computer
UK Government website Support for parents and carers to keep children safe online
UK Government website Support for parents and carers to keep children safe online