With so many aspects of the internet available for children, it can be hard to work out where to start.

 

An effective online safety guide for parents will involve open conversations, setting clear rules (family agreements), using parental controls on devices and apps, checking privacy settings, and balancing screen time with offline activities whilst fostering trust so kids feel safe reporting issues like cyberbullying or inappropriate content.

 

Parents & Carers can discuss with their children on focusing on digital wellbeing and responsible tech use. Key steps include talking about risks (strangers, sharing info, AI), checking age-appropriate settings, keeping devices in communal areas, and understanding popular apps and games. 

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There are lots of resources out there to help you and your child manage their internet safety, here are some of the best we have found:

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NSPCC  - You can use this link to help get nudes removed - Report Remove | NSPCC 

 

Childline – Information about why children sext and send nudes Sexting and sending nudes | Childline 

 

Safe4me – Hampshire Constabulary website supplying advice and resources for carers and professionals.   Safe4Me – Hampshire Police's free education resource programme for schools, colleges and partners in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight 

 

Parental Controls – Guidance on how to put parental controls onto your young persons apps/games. Parental Controls & Privacy Settings Guides - Internet Matters 

 

Appropriate ages –Check the games and apps your children are watching are age appropriate.   Common Sense Media: Age-Based Media Reviews for Families | Common Sense Media 

 

Information about online exploitation - CEOP Education (thinkuknow.co.uk) 

 

Link for selfies videos – set of 4 videos to help you talk to your children about nudes.   Nude Selfies- Film 1 of 4 (youtube.com) 

 

Roblox – From speaking with your children we know that Roblox is very popular.  By selecting settings – privacy please check your child’s security settings to check they have an under 13yrs account.  This will assist in blocking out inappropriate games and content.  You can also control who follows your child on Roblox and we recommend using the ‘friends only’ setting.  Here is a short intro video which explains the safety features https://youtu.be/pWzhE8fUi7E.  There is also further information here Is Roblox safe for my child? | NSPCC  

 

Discord – This is a popular messaging app for those who are gamers.  The age limit is 13yrs but it is made for adults meaning there is a risk of adult content and chat.  Please see the link that shows how to put safety settings in place for your child Internet-Matters-Discord-Guide-1.pdf 

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