As a parent you will know how important the internet can be to our children - they use it to learn, play, socialise and express themselves. It's a highly creative place of amazing opportunities. However the technology children use everyday can seem a bit daunting and you might worry about the risks your child can face online - such as cyberbullying, contact from strangers or the possibility of seeing illegal or inappropriate content.

We want to help our parents improve their own understanding of Online Safety issues so they can help their children use the internet in a safe and secure way. In order to help with the fast moving and changing world of the internet and social media we have created an 'Online Safety Booklet for Parents' which can be found in the resources section below. This includes a checklist to help you keep your child safe online.

'Internet Matters' is an amazing website that supports parents and professionals with navigating the ever-changing world of child internet safety. Their online safety guides and advice documents can be found below or you can access their website here.

Helpful Websites

You may find the following websites useful in regards to keeping children safe online. 

CEOP

The Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre delivers a multi-agency service dedicated to tackling the abuse and exploitation of children in the real and ‘e’ world. Often it is referred to as an online 999. By clicking on the button, young people and parents can get advice on a range of issues such as viruses, hacking and dealing with bullying online. In the child part of the website, there are a number of videos for children to help them understand issues such as cyberbullying and talking to strangers online.

https://www.ceop.police.uk/Safety-Centre/

ThinkUKnow

As part of CEOP education, the ThinkUKnow website has a range of resources for children and adults. As well as interactive games, the website has produced a range of 'at home' activities that you can complete with your child to help you have open conversations about their online safety.

https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/parents/home-activity-worksheets/ 

Childnet

Childnet International has a range of resources available to parents regarding online safety. It has up-to-date guides and an online chat forum if you need to speak to an expert.

https://www.childnet.com/

Internet Matters

Internet Matters is a new online portal designed for parents to access simple, easy and practical advice about online safety for their children, right through from pre-school to teens. It provides tips on protecting children from online grooming, cyberbullying, privacy and identity theft and inappropriate content. Internet Matters is a not-for profit organisation set up by BT, Sky, TalkTalk and Virgin Media. 

https://www.internetmatters.org/

NSPCC

NSPCC have teamed up with O2 to help parents keep children safe when they are using the internet, social networks, apps and games.

https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/

Childline

Childline have created a new webpage called 'Calm Zone'. It gives strategies and activities to help children when they are feeling worried or anxious.

https://www.childline.org.uk/