Technology and online safety

Supervise younger children when they are online. You will be able to see what they are doing and are available to help if they get into any trouble. Teenagers are risk takers. As a parent this is something you are unable to change. So, it’s important to get involved in their online lives.

If you are worried about a website or app they are looking at, ask them to show it to you. This can help start a conversation about your concerns. By talking about it, you normalise the topic. Talk about it openly and regularly. It may feel embarrassing, but, by making the subject less secretive your child will be more likely to come to you for help if needed.

It’s important to help your child understand the internet and its dangers. Talk to your child about the possible risks involved with using the internet. Here are 3 things to speak about:

• Not everyone is who they say they are. If you don’t know someone, they are a stranger.
• Trust their instincts. If your child gets an ‘uh-oh’ feeling in their tummy, or your young person has an instinct that something is not right about something online or on social media, they should tell an adult that they trust or report it. 
• Always be nice to people. Just the same as they would in school or out and about.

It can be hard talking to your child about staying safe online, especially as they get older. Try to choose a good time to talk about it. Give them time to talk too.

Sometimes young people may find it easier to speak to someone other than their parent. Find a safe person that they can confide in that isn’t you.

Remember to be patient. If your child doesn’t want to talk, try again another time.

If you are concerned that your child is in immediate danger, call 999.

Teach your child some key safety measures to stick by:

• Keep your personal information private. Never tell someone your full name, age, school or address.
• Never share your password or log-in information with anyone.
• Do not share your location with people you don’t know online. Be careful using location apps like Snap Map.
• Never meet up with people you have only met online.
• Block and report any unwanted pictures or messages received on social media. Always speak to an adult for trusted advice.
• Check the information being accessed is from a reputable source. Like using the NHS website for health information. 
• Be aware of the rules around sexting and sharing sexual images for under 16’s. 
• Report anything they see online that worries them. Or they can use the Police live webchat function where they will be put through to a team of specialist operators who will be able to assist them. 

Parental controls can be used to block upsetting or harmful content that your child may see online. You can control in-app purchases or manage how long your child spends online. You can install parental controls on most technology. This includes mobile phones, tablets, computers, laptops and games consoles.

Read more about setting up parental controls.