Every child is different, so there’s no hard and fast rule about how much guidance they’ll need to stay safe online. The most important thing you can do is talk to your child regularly about what they do online and how they can stay safe.
Here are some TEAM tips shared by the NSPCC:
- Talk to your child regularly about what they’re doing online and how to stay safe. Let them know they can come to you or another trusted adult if they’re feeling worried or upset by anything they have seen. You can use our conversation starters to support you when starting these conversations.
- Explore your child’s online activities together. Understand why they like playing certain games and make sure they know what they can do to keep themselves safe.
- Agree your own rules as a family when using sites, apps and games. You can use our family agreement template to help you get started.
- Manage your technology and use the settings available to keep your child safe. If you need support doing this, you call the O2 NSPCC Advice Line on 0808 800 5002.
Starting the conversation
The most important thing you can do is talk to your children about what they do online and how they can stay safe. But it can be difficult to know where to start. Follow the NSPCC’s three tips for some inspiration.
Further information, tips and strategies on keeping youngsters safe online can be found in the full article HERE.
Norah Buckley
Assistant Head Safeguarding and Child Protection