Whether your child is verbal or non-verbal, when your child expresses an interest in the Internet is the time to talk about online safety and to show them ways to stay safe.

• Allow yourself enough time and choose a quiet space to avoid interruption.
• Everyone has the right to feel safe and enjoy their time online, so it’s important for them to understand boundaries and behaviour - both their own and those of other people.
• The earlier you start this communication, the easier it will be to talk about any online safety concerns in the future.

• Show an interest - find out what your child enjoys doing online, and ask them to show you the things they like to play, look at, or watch.
• If possible, ask to join in as this will show you exactly what your child sees. For example: if they want to join a website, try creating an account for yourself, to get to know how it works and where the settings are. That way, you can be more confident in supporting them. 
• Be aware that most sites have an age restriction. The site will have legitimate reasons for the age limits they have set.

Common Sense Media has supportive information and website suggestions.

• Setting up parental controls and filters on your home Internet can help to avoid inappropriate images, videos and websites being seen by your child whilst they are online.
• Many devices, like phones, tablets and consoles, have parental control settings to restrict this content, as well as restricting additional costs online (such as in-app purchasing) and turning off location functions. 

Internet Matters has information about these settings for a range of apps and devices and how to use them.

A Family Agreement, or Online Agreement, is a great way of talking about online safety and how to use the Internet positively.

• Establishing an agreement together can help your child understand how to communicate safely and appropriately online and learn what to do if they find themselves in a challenging or unpleasant situation.
• It will also provide an opportunity for your child to decide who they should go to and tell if something confusing or unpleasant happens online. We refer to this person as a trusted adult. These are people they already know, and they could be another relative, a teacher, a youth leader or a key support worker.

If clearly displayed, with whatever communication method works best for your child, a family agreement can help to reinforce and remind your child of the important things they need to know.

Childnet has templates for both Family Agreements and Online Agreements.

It’s important to know and understand the tools and safety features on the apps and sites your child likes to use.

• Once you have got to know your child’s favourite games, apps and services, ensure that you explore and understand the safety features they have on them. For example: find out what privacy settings they have, where these are and how to apply them. These will enable you and your child to choose who can see their profile and what information is shared with friends.
• There may be additional levels of privacy available for children and young people, compared to adults, so it is important to give your correct age when registering. Most sites have an age restriction. The site will have legitimate reasons for the age limits they have set.
• Know where to get help, how to block someone and how to make a report. Having the tools to report and block abusive or harmful accounts and content can give young people the power to protect themselves.

The UK Safer Internet website has some advice about social media settings.

• Childline — 0800 1111  — a free 24-hour helpline for children in the UK.
• Child Helpline International — to find a helpline for children outside the UK.

• CEOP — Child Exploitation and Online Protection: to report suspicious behaviour online towards a child directly to the police: Click 'Make A Report'.
• The Virtual Global Taskforce — click the ‘Report Abuse’ option on the home page and follow the instructions.
• UK Government Advice - Avoid and report Internet scams and phishing.

• National Online Safety
• Internet Matters
• Childnet International
• CEOP Education
  • Parents & Carers
  • 4-7 years
  • 8-10 years
  • 11-18 years
  • Professionals
• SafeKids
• Netsmartz
• WiseKids

• Kidscape
• Family Lives