- Online Safety At Home Activity Packs
- Internet Matters - Child Safety Checklist
- Internet Matters - Social Media Privacy Guides
- How can I keep my child safe?
- What is social networking?
- How old does my child need to be to have a social networking account?
- What information shouldn't be put online?
- Is email safe?
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For internet advice, help or to make a report, visit CEOP's online safety centre.
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Internet Matters - Child Safety Checklist
- Adjust controls Adjust the parental controls on your broadband and internet-enabled devices, depending on your child's age. Your broadband provider can tell you how. Find out how to setup safe search in Google by going to google.co.uk/safetycentre.
- Keep talking Stay interested in what they're doing online and discuss what they might have come across. Don’t be afraid to tackle difficult subjects like cyberbulling and sexting.
- Privacy Matters Make sure they set high privacy settings on social networks. Encourage them to regularly change their passwords and never to share or put online any of their personal details like phone number, address or their school.
- Manage their online reputation Let them know that anything they upload, email or message could stay online forever. Remind them that they should only post things online that they wouldn’t mind you, their teacher or a future employer seeing.
- Stay safe on the move Make sure safety and privacy settings are activated on their mobile devices and they aren’t sharing private information. Be aware that using public WiFi might not filter inappropriate content, so look for friendly WiFi symbols when you’re out and about.
Internet Matters - Social Media Privacy Guides
How can I keep my child safe?
Being aware of what your child is doing online is crucial. Maintaining an open and honest dialogue will ensure that you know what they are using the Internet for.
If at any point you're unsure of what they are up to, ask them to teach you about the software or websites that they are using - you can decide whether or not you need to intervene.
Make sure that devices connected to the Internet stay in a family room so that you can monitor the use of webcams, for example. Don't forget about mobile phones, tablets and games consoles - these too can all allow your child to communicate with others, share photographs and stream video online.
What is social networking?
Social networking is the use of dedicated websites that allow people to communicate with other members of the site. Popular ones include Facebook, Twitter and MySpace. Members of these sites can post comments, chat online, share photographs and videos.
However, there is a lack of anonymity - people often post personal information and photographs that they wouldn't normally share with others. This can affect their work and private life.
Some people can become obsessed and spend long periods of time on social networking sites, constantly checking mobile devices for updates.
A lack of appropriate privacy settings can provide criminals with information they can lead to identify theft, scams and burglaries.
How old does my child need to be to have a social networking account?
Many social networking websites specify that you have to be thirteen to register an account. However, this is something that you can discuss with your child.
What information shouldn't be put online?
Any personal information should not be posted online. Your child should never give out:
- Personal details of family and friends
- Their address, school or email address
- Phone numbers
- A photo
- Date of birth
Is email safe?
Sending and receiving emails is usually safe. However, don't open emails with attachments from people you don't know or trust as they could contain a computer virus or unwanted messages. Any unwanted emails or spam should be deleted. Special software can be used to block any such emails being received.
UK Safer Internet
Find out how to set privacy settings on a range of popular Social Media websites.
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Internet Quiz
Are you a good friend to others online? Pick the positives to these dilemmas.
Read MoreRelated information
- Online Safety at home 11-13's May 2020
- Online Safety at home 14+ May 2020
- Download the E-Safety - Protecting Our Children Newsletter - Sept 2020 (.pdf | 1.11mb)
- Download the E-Safety - Protecting Our Children Booklet - Sept 2020 (.pdf | 21.6mb)
- e-Safety letter - Sept 2020 (.pdf | 221kb)
- Articles from Parent Info