E-Safety

One of the most effective ways to support online safety is to take an interest in what your child is doing online. Exploring apps, games and websites together helps you understand how your child uses the internet and gives you confidence to guide them.

Talking regularly about online experiences — both positive and negative — helps children feel comfortable sharing concerns if something worries them.

Just as with offline activities, children benefit from clear boundaries and routines online. Families may find it helpful to agree simple rules about:

• how long children spend online

• which websites or apps they can use

• how they behave towards others online

Agreeing these expectations together helps children understand what is acceptable and why.

Keeping devices in shared spaces, such as the living room or kitchen, can make it easier to stay involved in your child’s online activity. Many children access the internet through phones, tablets, consoles and smart TVs, so it’s important to think about supervision across all devices, not just computers.

Technology can be engaging, but balance is important. Setting limits on screen time helps ensure that online activities do not interfere with sleep, physical activity or family time. Some families choose screen-free times or remove devices from bedrooms overnight to support healthy routines.

Most internet providers, devices and apps offer free parental controls that allow you to:

• limit access to age-inappropriate content

• manage screen time

• restrict in-app purchases

These tools can be helpful, but they work best alongside regular conversations and supervision, rather than as a replacement.

Children should know that they can talk to a trusted adult if something online makes them feel uncomfortable, confused or upset. Encourage them to:

• tell an adult straight away if they see something worrying

• close a website or app if something doesn’t feel right

• never share personal information such as addresses, phone numbers or passwords

Reassure them that asking for help will not get them into trouble.

Games, apps and videos are designed for different age groups. Checking age ratings and content descriptions helps ensure they are suitable. Some online games include chat features or in-app purchases, so it’s worth reviewing settings and discussing these features with your child.

If you are worried about online behaviour or content, there are organisations that can help. Many platforms include reporting tools, and national services provide advice and guidance for parents and carers.