Online safety
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In this section you will find information on national support agencies which offer a wide range of advice to children, young people and their families on how to stay safe online.
NSPCC
The NSPCC is a charity aiming to prevent abuse, help rebuild children's lives and support families.
They have a section ‘keeping children safe online’ which includes advice and guides on topics such as:
- Talking to your child about online safety
- Parental controls
- Reporting online safety concerns
- Internet connected devices | NSPCC
Childnet
Childnet is a UK-based charity aiming to empower children, young people, and those who support them in their online lives. They offer information and resources for parents, carers and professionals to help them provide online safety support and information to children and young people.
Parents, carers and professionals can find information on online bullying, grooming and sexting as well as a Parents and Carers Toolkit.
Thinkuknow
Thinkuknow is an education programme from the National Crime Agency’s CEOP Command. They keep children and young people safe by providing education about sexual abuse and sexual exploitation.
The site offers a variety of information to parents as well as a mechanism to report any concerns you may have about what your child may be experiencing online.
Safety and Security Online (SWGfL)
SWGfL are a not for profit charity ensuring everyone can benefit from technology free from harm.
They host support services and helplines that offer free advice, support and guidance to victims of online harm.
Resources for parents include guides to help navigate profile settings on popular social media platforms.
UK Safer Internet Centre
UK Safer Internet Centre provide tips, advice, guides and resources to help keep children safe online.
Their support includes Social media guides providing information on safety features available on popular social networks.
Get Safe Online
Get safe online has resources providing practical advice on how to protect yourself, your computers and mobile devices and businesses against fraud, identity theft, viruses and many other problems encountered online.
They provide information on the potential risks that children and young people can face online, advice on how to keep their online activities safe and specific age based advice.
Parent Zone
Parent Zone aims to help families make the most of their online worlds and help parents support their children to be confident and capable online and to make the most of what technology has to offer – while being aware of the risks and harms they will also find online.
They offer a number of guides providing advice and information on online platforms and current trends as well as a podcast Tech Shock.
Safer Internet Day
Safer Internet Day is celebrated globally in February each year to promote the safe and positive use of digital technology for children and young people, and to inspire a national conversation about using technology responsibly, respectfully, critically, and creatively.
Safer Internet Day 2023 will take place on the 7th of February 2023, with celebrations and learning based around the theme ‘Want to talk about it? Making space for conversations about life online’.
Coordinated in the UK by the UK Safer Internet Centre, the celebration sees thousands of organisations get involved to promote the safe, responsible and positive use of digital technology for children and young people.