Love it or hate it, being online is part of all of our lives. For children it is especially important for learning, whether on a mobile phone, computer or laptop, for searching for resources, submitting homework or staying in touch with friends. Whilst it presents exciting opportunities for discovering new knowledge and growth, it can also expose them to risks.

It is difficult for adults to know what is safe online so it can be a minefield for children leaving them vulnerable to online dangers. There is Government guidance for schools to follow so that staff, governors and volunteers can teach children about online safety but outside of school it is important that you foster an open environment where children and young people ask questions and understand more about e-safety.

Be Prepared

Even if you have parental controls on your personal technology, they will have access to other equipment that might not have such stringent controls. Explore the Internet with them so they are familiar with the pitfalls such as keeping personal information and passwords private, not talking to people who may seem friendly but are ultimately strangers, not paying for apps or games without permission, not sharing photos and videos on open sites and understanding phishing.

Fake News

It’s all too easy to be suckered into fake news or tricked into believing something is too good to be true. Good practice for your child to follow is to check the source before they post or follow someone and if they aren’t sure to check with an adult.

There are so many tips for parents to follow, schools will offer classes for both children and parents and there is wealth of advice online from trusted sources such as: learning.nspcc.org.uk childline.org.uk gov.uk

Speak to other parents to find out how they are managing their child’s e-safety as they will often have great suggestions.

Children regularly use different websites and apps from their parents, it is all too easy to leave them to their own devices but it is imperative that you remember to make online safety a priority.

(Disclaimer: This article is not an exhaustive list of ways to protect your child online and you should seek professional advice and resources for guidance on online safety,)