The internet plays a major role in children’s lives through education, gaming, communication, entertainment, and social media. While the online world can provide many positive opportunities, it can also expose children to risks that may affect their safety, wellbeing, mental health, and development.

Parents, carers, and families play an important role in helping children use technology safely, responsibly, and confidently.

Why Online Safety Matters

Children and young people may face online risks including:

• Cyberbullying
• Online grooming
• Inappropriate or harmful content
• Scams and fraud
• Social media pressures
• Online exploitation
• Sharing personal information
• Gaming risks and online strangers
• Exposure to violence or sexual content
• Mental health impacts from excessive screen use

Children may not always recognise danger online, especially when communication feels friendly or familiar.

Supporting Safe Internet Use

Parents and carers can help children stay safer online by:

• Talking openly about internet safety
• Setting age-appropriate boundaries
• Monitoring online activity appropriately
• Using parental controls where suitable
• Encouraging children to report concerns
• Teaching children about privacy and consent
• Promoting healthy screen time habits
• Staying involved in apps, games, and social media platforms children use

Open and calm communication is often more effective than fear or punishment.

Talking to Children About Online Safety

Children should feel able to speak to trusted adults if something online makes them uncomfortable, worried, or unsafe.

Parents can encourage safe conversations by:

• Remaining calm and supportive
• Avoiding blame or shame
• Listening carefully
• Reassuring children they will not automatically lose devices
• Encouraging honesty about mistakes or concerns

Children are more likely to seek help when they feel safe and supported.

Social Media Safety

Social media can affect:

• Self-esteem
• Body image
• Mental health
• Peer pressure
• Sleep and emotional wellbeing

Parents should encourage children to:

• Keep accounts private
• Avoid sharing personal information
• Think carefully before posting images or videos
• Block and report harmful behaviour
• Avoid communicating with strangers
• Understand that online content can remain permanently accessible

Children may also feel pressure from likes, comments, or comparisons online.

Gaming & Online Chat Risks

Online gaming can expose children to:

• Inappropriate language or behaviour
• Contact from strangers
• In-game purchases and scams
• Excessive screen time
• Bullying or harassment

Parents can help by:

• Checking age ratings on games
• Using parental controls
• Monitoring online chats
• Discussing safe behaviour with children
• Setting healthy time limits

Gaming can be positive and social when used safely and in balance.

Sharing Photos & Personal Information

Children should be taught:

• Never to share addresses, school details, passwords, or phone numbers online
• To think carefully before sending photos or videos
• That private images can be copied, shared, or misused
• That people online may not always be who they claim to be

Parents should also consider children’s privacy when posting about them online.

Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying can include:

• Hurtful messages
• Exclusion from groups
• Fake accounts
• Threats or harassment
• Sharing embarrassing images or videos

Signs a child may be struggling include:

• Anxiety about using devices
• Withdrawal or low mood
• Changes in behaviour
• Avoiding school or friendships
• Emotional distress after being online

Children should be encouraged to:

• Block harmful users
• Save evidence
• Report bullying
• Speak to trusted adults

Screen Time & Mental Wellbeing

Technology should be balanced with:

• Sleep
• Exercise
• Family time
• Education
• Offline friendships and hobbies

Excessive screen time may affect:

• Sleep patterns
• Emotional wellbeing
• Attention and concentration
• Physical activity
• Mental health

Healthy routines and boundaries can support balanced technology use.

Parental Controls & Safety Tools

Parents may choose to use:

• Device parental controls
• App restrictions
• Privacy settings
• Safe search filters
• Screen time management tools

Parental controls can help reduce risks but should work alongside ongoing communication and trust.

What to Do if a Child Is at Risk Online

If a child may be at risk:

• Stay calm and supportive
• Remove immediate risks where necessary
• Report harmful content or users
• Seek safeguarding support if needed
• Contact police where there are immediate dangers or criminal concerns

Children should never be blamed for reporting concerns or making mistakes online.

If there is immediate danger or exploitation concerns, contact 999.

Online Safety Support & Guidance

Online Safety & Child Protection

• NSPCC Online Safety
• Childnet International
• Internet Matters
• Thinkuknow – CEOP Education

Reporting Harmful Content or Exploitation

• CEOP – Report Online Abuse
• Report Harmful Content

Mental Health & Emotional Support

• YoungMinds
• Mind UK

Child Support Services

• Childline
• NSPCC

Final Message

The online world is a major part of modern childhood. Helping children stay safe online is not only about restrictions — it is about guidance, trust, communication, and building confidence to make safe choices.

Children benefit most when trusted adults remain involved, supportive, informed, and approachable about online life and digital safety.