Parents » Online Safety for Parents
The ubiquitous nature of internet access, through mobile phones, tablets, laptops, desktop computer, or any other internet-enabled device, affords young people greater opportunities than ever before to stay connected to our family and friends. As parents, we often assume that our children know more about technology than us because many of them spend so much time on it. Whilst that may be true is some instances, knowing how to be safe, make sound judgements about social interactions and how to get themselves out of a tricky or scary situation, is what they often lack the knowledge or understanding of.
Although we cover online safety at the UTC, conversations at home are by far the most effective method of protecting our children. Knowing they can turn to someone at home if they make a mistake or if they are unsure about anything can help prevent situations escalating into a more major problem.
Updated government guidance on support for parents and carers to keep children safe online
Below are answers to common questions relating to online safety for parents.
What harms might my child experience online?
The specific harms which children can experience online are:
- child sexual abuse – a definition
- exposure to radicalising content
- youth-produced sexual imagery (‘sexting’)
- cyberbullying
- exposure to age-inappropriate content, such as pornography
- exposure to harmful content, such as suicide content
What resources are available to help me support my child staying safe online?
The following resources have been designed to support parents with online safety:
I keep hearing the name 'Discord'. What is it and what are the dangers?
How can I help my child stay safe online?
The guide below is from Internet Matters and provides a good starting point. More detailed guides and support, including articles, guides, research, apps and parental controls, can be found on their website.