For parents
Please find below some links to useful topics from the NSPCC, all designed to support you in keeping your child safe online:
Talking to your child about online safety
Children and young people’s lives have changed dramatically because of the coronavirus. Now more than ever it’s important to talk to your child about staying safe online and about the apps and sites they’re using. We’ve got advice to help.
Coronavirus lockdown may mean children are spending more time online and using apps or social media sites more to talk to friends or others online. Other young people may want to explore more risky behaviour, either because they’re feeling bored or as a way of keeping in touch with others. Some young people experiencing online grooming or abuse may also be sending or receiving nudes or explicit content from people they don’t know. We’ve got advice to help you talk to your child about sexting and keep them safe.
Inappropriate or explicit content
Find out what inappropriate content is and how to support your child if they've seen something online that's upset them.
Online games can be a great way for young people to keep busy and stay in touch with friends and family but it’s important that children play safely. If you have more than one child in your home, remember that games suitable for one child to play or watch, may not be suitable for another. We’ve got advice to help.
Parental controls help you to block or filter upsetting or inappropriate content, and control purchases within apps. You can install parental control software on your child's and family's phones or tablets, games consoles, laptops and your home internet.
Live streaming and online video apps
Children and teenagers are likely to be spending more time on livestreaming and video apps because of coronavirus. While many children will be using livestreaming or video apps to talk to friends or family they can’t see in person, some children may be talking to people they don’t know or sharing personal information without realising. We’ve got advice to help you understand the risks and keep them safe.
Helping your child with group chats:
Worried about a child?
Call our O2 NSPCC Advice Line on 0808 800 5002 for advice on apps, sites, games and online safety.
If you're worried about something a child or young person may have experienced online, you can contact the NSPCC helpline for free support and advice. Call them on 0808 800 5000 or contact them online.
Children can contact Childline any time to get support themselves.