This page contains advice and resources to help parents keep children safe online,
The TOP RESOURCE for Internet Safety is CEOP –
It is vital that, in a world where children are now accessing new technologies and using the internet at an early age, that they are taught about keeping themselves safe online. Just as you would teach your child the Green Cross Code or fire safety you need to give them the skills to use the internet safely.
Common Sense Media: Age-Based Media Reviews for Families | Common Sense Media
I also highly rate Common Sense Media where you can read Independent reviews from users and their parents Find out the opportunities and risks associated with the tech your children use.
Parental Controls
Have you considered putting controls on the equipment your child uses or downloading a child friendly browser? “Many parents subscribe to the “cross your fingers and hope for the best” philosophy of managing their kids’ online access. But even if you’ve had the conversations around safety precautions, it’s still really tough to manage what kids do when you’re not there (and even when you are). Parental controls — the real, technical kind — can support you in your efforts to keep your kids’ Internet experiences safe, fun, and productive. They work best when used openly and honestly in partnership with your kids.”
- Consider using internet filtering software, walled gardens and child-friendly search engines. Use your browser’s controls as some offer differing degrees of security for each family member.
- Check out what child protection services your Internet Service Provider (ISP) offers – do they filter for spam, for instance? If not, ask them why.
- Keep the computer in a communal area of the house, where it’s easier to monitor what your children are viewing.
- Tell children not to give out their personal details. If they want to subscribe to any services online, make up a family email address to receive the mail.
- Children love to chat, but make sure they only use moderated chat rooms and encourage them to introduce you to their online friends.
- Encourage your children to tell you if they feel uncomfortable, upset or threatened by anything they see online.
- Involve your children in writing your own family code of acceptable internet use. Remember that what’s acceptable for a teenager isn’t necessarily OK for a primary school-aged child, so get their input.
- Computer kit is expensive so bear in mind that a child with a laptop may be vulnerable when carrying it to and from school.
- The web’s a great resource for homework, but remember to use more than one site in research to get broad, balanced information and always reference your research sources.
- Surf together. Go online with your children and become part of their online life. The key to safe surfing is communication.
Resources for Parents E-Safety expert Alan Mackenzie shares up to date thinking and provides a regular and free download magazine. Highly recommended.
See Whole School Online Safety Training – UK Consultant
Alan also recommends:
Internet Safety E-book for Parents – For Schools to Share with Parents – Download below:
Internet Safety E-book for Parents