The internet can be a fantastic place for children and young people where they can talk to friends, be creative and have fun.  However, just like in the real world sometimes things can go wrong.  It can be hard to know how to talk to your child about online safety.  If you or your child are worried or upset about something which has happened on the internet there is help out there. We've listed some sites here that you may find useful. 

• The NSPCC website offers lots of useful information, from setting up parental controls to advice on online games and video apps - https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/
• Safer Internet offers support to parents who are supporting their children to use the internet safely, responsibility and positively;  .https://www.saferinternet.org.uk/advice-centre/parents-and-carers
• Childnet offer useful advice on the internet generally https://www.childnet.com/  and specifically on keeping under fives safe online -  https://www.childnet.com/ufiles/Keeping-Under-Fives-Safe-Online.pdf
• Think You Know offers advice for parents and carers;  https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/parents/
• Bullying UK offers parents advice on cyberbullying; https://www.bullying.co.uk/cyberbullying/?_ga=2.19531583.6027461.1580374647-567485750.1580374647
• Internet Matters website is where you can get guidance on how to manage your broadband, secure devices and also advice about how you can communicate with your child about staying safe online: https://www.internetmatters.org/ 

Did you know about the following age requirements for holding social media accounts?

• Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter, YouTube – 13 years
• WhatsApp – 16 years
• Tik Tok requires users to be at least 13 years old to access its platform. (Common Sense Media has recommended that this app is appropriate for those aged at least 16 years old and above due to its mature content and information settings.)

So many children have access to phones and tablets this poster shows apps that parents should be aware of:

Useful Information about Gaming

Many children enjoy gaming and parents often feel under pressure to let their children play games which potentially are not suitable for their child’s age group.  Below are some useful posters which give detail about the content of these, age restrictions and useful tips for keeping safe.