1. Don’t ban the internet completely


2. Have the conversation early and often


3. Explore the web together


4. Know who your child is talking to online


5. Ask your child to ‘friend’ a trusted adult on their social network

Agree that your child can ‘friend’ a trusted adult, like an aunt or uncle, so they can let you know if they see anything worrying on your child’s profile.

6. Set rules and agree boundaries

Agree the amount of time they can spend online; when they can go online; what websites they can visit; discuss sharing images and videos; tell them how to treat people online and not post anything they wouldn’t say face-to-face.

7. Does your child play online games?

Check age ratings and who they’re playing with. Talk to them about what information is OK to share with other players.

8. Make sure the content they’re viewing is age-appropriate


9.Use parental controls to filter or restrict content

Internet Service Providers (ISPs), such as Virgin Media, TalkTalk, Sky or BT, provide controls to help you filter or restrict content and devices that connect to the internet also have controls. Software packages are available - some for free - that can help you filter, restrict or monitor what your child can see online. Agree with your child how they will use public Wi-Fi.

10. Check they know how to use privacy settings and reporting tools
