Kids online and their digital safety

kids online and their digital safety

Kids are spending more and more time online, so as parents you need advice to help keep them safe.

You may feel out of touch with Snapchat and Instagram. Do you know who they are chatting to online, what they are uploading, who they are gaming with?  What kids are into online changes fast and as parents it can be hard to keep up with new apps and games.

It can be difficult to know how to start talking to your child about what they’re doing online or who they might be speaking to. 

There are lots of resources that can help you navigate what can at times feel like an ever changing and complex online world.

Useful Resources

Advice for Parents

Parental Controls advice on setting up parental controls on devices

Parent Zone  lots of advice and tips for parents

Internet Matters  tips to help parents keep their kids safe online

Internet connected devices 

Internet connected devices are devices or toys that are connected to the internet via WiFi, Bluetooth or a physical connection like a USB cable. They can also be connected to each other

Instant Messaging  guide to the latest trends

SWGfL Online Resources

a charity ensuring children benefit from technology, free from harm

Cyber security test

Virgin Media cybercrime test to help you learn about online crimes and how to stay safe when browsing

Safety Net- Keeping children safe online   Skips is a service commissioned to teach Sandwell's young people, parents and professionals about Online Safety. As part of the work they do, they have designed lots of free parental guides.


Gaming and Streaming

Gaming advice on online gaming and how to do it safely 

Live Streaming and Video Apps  using live streaming platforms and video apps safely

What is Minecraft 

Minecraft remains one of the world’s most popular games, with over 140 million monthly users in 2021.

So how does Minecraft work, and how safe is it for children? Parent Zone has everything you need to know. 


Young Children

Under 5's online  keeping young children safe online 

Jessie & Friends  fun animation videos for children and parents about online safety

Cbeebies apps     CBeebies apps are available to download for free

BBC iplayer for kids  Children aged under-13 can have their own iPlayer profile


Cyber Bullying

Childline  use childline message board to talk to others about cyber bullying

Cyber Bullying  advice on cyber bullying

Sexting and sending nudes advice on sharing sexual images and texts online

Removing a nude image shared online  follow the steps to get your image or video removed from the internet. 

UK Safer Internet

online safety tips, advice and resources to help children and young people stay safe online

The internet, relationships and you

Advice from CEOP Education at the National Crime Agency on socialising online, healthy relationships and what to do if you are worried about something online.

Doxxing and keeping your children safe

Doxxing is when someone on the internet (the doxxer) posts personal information about someone else (the victim) for the world to see. This information is sensitive, meaning it can be used to figure out who someone really is, where they live and how to contact them. Find out more about keeping children safe online.


Educational Resources

BBC Bitesize Online Safety  KS3 revision and test on online safety

Online communication and online safety   BBC Bitesize topic

Staying safe online  BBC Newsround videos

Own It  BBC app to help stay safe online

Stay safe online  BBC newsround feature

Talking about Online Safety

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Advice for parents

Talk regularly to your child about what they are doing online. Be relaxed and your child will feel more confident to share their interests. Take a look at the  games, sites and social media your child is using.

Children need the internet to research homework as well talking to their friends. Be positive but also open about anything you're worried about. You could say "I think this site's really good" or "I'm a little worried about things I've seen here." Find out if they are worried about anything, and let them know they can come to you.

Talk about their friends online and how they know they are who they say they are. Listen for the reasons why your child wants to use apps or sites you don't think are suitable, so you can talk about these together.

Discuss with your child about age appropriate sites and content and the age restrictions websites and social media platforms have. Be clear about when they can access Snapchat and Instagram for example.

Tips for Online Safety

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Top Tips

Agree some rules about how they spend their time online.

Set up parental controls on your child’s device.

Help them master the basics.

Look out for signs they might need some support.

Find the right time to talk about online safety.

Page last reviewed: 05/03/2024

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Family Information Service

family_information@sandwell.gov.uk
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