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:

• start the conversation with your child

• become aware of the platforms they are using

• support them to stay safe while online

Net-aware: tips and advice

How to start a conversation with your child about online safety.

NSPPC: parental controls and filters

Advice on setting up parental controls to help you keep your child safe online

Net-aware: the most popular social networks, apps and games your kids are using

Information around popular social networks, apps and games.

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.

Top Tips for Parents and Carers

Have a look at the tips and links below with some suggestions on how to get you started and help you to stay safe and positive online. You and your family can #PlayYourPart in creating a better internet by…

Having conversations without judgement.

Whether by playing games, watching videos, or doing things your child enjoys, spending time together online is a great way to start conversations about the online world and how they’re finding being a part of it.

It is important to ask questions and take an interest in what your child enjoys online.

An essential part of having this open dialogue is to not judge, even if their behaviour or life online isn’t what you wanted or expected. This ensures that your child feels they can come to you if ever they make a mistake or experience a problem online.

Knowing where you can learn more about their favourite apps and games.

Websites like Common Sense Media or The Family Gaming Database can be invaluable sources of information. When your child starts talking about a new game or app, why not do some research into the reporting and blocking options available? Then you can help your child if they come to you with an issue.

Getting support if things go wrong.

There are lots of organisations who are there to support you and your family if something has gone wrong. The Report Harmful Content website can help you with issues such as cyberbullying, impersonation and threats. You can report worrying behaviour towards children to CEOP. Find out more on Childnet’s Get Help page.

Reassuring your child that whatever happens online, you are there to support them.

Let your child know that the best way to address any problem they have online, is to tell a trusted adult immediately. For example, this might include someone sending them a friend request; an online message; telling them to visit a specific website, or app; or asking them for their personal information. Reassure them that if anything happens online that they are unsure about, or makes them feel worried or upset, they can come to you for help.