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Online Safety for Families

Staying Safe Online for Children and Young People

There are many great resources available online, but it is also important to make sure you’re staying safe when using the internet.

To stay safe you should:

  • keep your profile private and don’t post photos that can identify you for example pictures of you outside your house or wearing clothes with your school badge on
  • think before you post – don’t post anything you wouldn’t want your parents, teachers or friends seeing
  • never share or reveal your passwords
  • never chat to someone you don’t know or share any personal information such as your address or phone number

Get advice about staying safe online from Childline’s website.

Sexting

You can also get advice about sexting and where to draw the line from the Childline website. Or use the ZIPIT App to take control of your chat game to keep the situation under control.

Advice about sexting on Childline

Social networks

There are laws online, and you need to be responsible in your online actions, and treat others as you want them to treat you.

Always report inappropriate contact using their ‘Report Abuse’ links, and if anything worries you, talk to a trusted adult.

Get advice about reporting inappropriate online activity

Child Exploitation and Online Protection Command (CEOP)

CEOP have set up a section on their website specifically for parents. The website offers tips and advice which allow parents to develop their online skills. 

CEOP is the child protection command of the National Crime Agency. CEOP’s reaches many children and young people through its ‘Thinkuknow’ education programme.

It also promotes online safety messages to practitioners (such as social workers, teachers and police officers) registered to their network, who pass messages directly to children and young people.

The Parent Zone

The Parent Zone provides information, help, advice, support and resources to anyone who engages with parents including parents, teachers, health professionals, police officers, e-safety officers and HR professionals.

Antivirus and parental controls

It can be difficult knowing how safe your children are online but investing in an antivirus with parental controls can help.

Get advice about antivirus programmes with free parental control.

Resources for Parents and Carers