Online Safety at Home

Children and young people go online to connect with friends, make new ones, browse the internet for information, chat with others and play games. They may:

• search for information or content on search engines like Google and Bing
• share images and watch videos through websites or mobile apps like Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube
• use social networking websites like Facebook and Twitter
• write or reply to messages on forums and message boards
• play games alone or with others through websites, apps or game consoles
• chat with other people through online games, game consoles, social networks and phone apps like WhatsApp

When online, there are huge benefits for children and young people to learn new things, get help with homework, express themselves creatively and connect with friends and family. By understanding and taking some small steps you can help keep your child safe online. Follow ABC: 

A: Applications

Utilise privacy controls to "lock down" your child's account and prevent applications from openly detailing your child's location (e.g. Snapchat)

B: Block Adult Content

Use features offered by your internet service provider or browser to prevent access to websites hosting adult content.

C: Communicate

Talk early and often with your children about their online activities. 

Children regularly use different websites and apps from their parents, and it can be hard to keep up in this ever-changing digital world. It is, therefore, useful to know the age restrictions attached to each different social media platform in order to best protect children.

Keep Children Safe Online: Information, Advice, Support - Internet Matters