How do i keep my child safe online?

General Advice for Parents

  • What social networking apps are they using? What are they sharing and who with?

  • Consider the online games they are playing and what age the other players may be.

  • Do you know the age-rating of those games? Are your children playing 18-rated games such as Grand Theft Auto and Call of Duty?

  • To find out what a game is like before you buy it for your child, go onto YouTube and do a search. It is likely there will be videos of people playing the games.

  • Would you be happy with all of this in the real world?

Children need to know they can come to you if something is wrong or if something upsets them. Reinforce this message; let them know you are there for them.

Kids will be kids; risk-taking is a part of growing up. Again, think about the real world: as a parent you will have that instinct if something is wrong online, exactly as you would in the real world. For example, a change of behaviour or attitude can be a sign that something is not right. When we notice a change in our children we talk to them to try and get to the bottom of things.


For useful information and advice on how to stay safe online.
Internet Matters

Internet Filtering and Parental Controls


How To Guides and Checklists