Children of all ages enjoy using technology. Many children are able to go online and play games, make video calls to family members, watch videos and their favourite TV shows and even ask Siri or Alexa to play their favourite song!
Lots of children have their own tablets and mobile phones or are able to use their parent’s or friends.
E-Safety means making sure that the ways which children and young people use the internet, mobile phones or social media to communicate are safe.
There are lots of ways to communicate including pictures, videos and messages. As a parent or carer it is important to understand how the internet works, and that anyone can add information, images and videos at any time. It also means that there is nothing stopping children watching things that are aimed at adults.
CEOP Education
Thinkuknow is an education programme which protects children both online and offline. There are different websites for different ages, with advice about staying safe on a phone, tablet or computer.
E-Safety Tips Videos
These ‘Internet Matters’ videos talk about what you can do at home to keep computers, tablets and phones safe and gives e-safety tips for parents of children.
It’s really important to talk with your child about staying safe online. Here are 4 key points that might help;
I am worried about talking to my child.
What if my child does not want to talk?
Remember if you are concerned that your child is in immediate danger call 999.
If you cannot make voice calls, you can now contact the 999 emergency services by SMS text from your mobile phone. Emergency SMS is part of the standard 999 service which has been designed specifically for people with hearing loss or difficulty with speech.
Top Tips for Staying Safe Online
Here are some tips for things you can do to help keep your children safe on the internet;
Issues Children Face Online
Cyberbullying
This is bullying that happens online. This includes through social media, apps and online games.
Online grooming
It is easy for young people to have conversations online with people they don’t know.
Inappropriate content
As children become more independent online, it’s possible that they may come across things which are inappropriate for their age or stage of development.
Online Reputation
The internet keeps a record of everyone’s online behaviour – the photos we upload, the comments other people make about us and the things we buy. It’s important children understand about how things they say and do online can affect them later in life.
Social
media is often a big part of a young person's life and it can sometimes feel that they are glued to their phones. As a parent/carer if you are worried about who your child is contacting on their phone, talk to them. You can always check who they are messaging.
It can be hard to understand all of the current social media platforms, so if you need to talk about your young person's internet use or are worried about who they are talking to online, you can always contact us for advice and guidance.
You can also contact a member of the 0-19 Healthy Child Programme by calling Just One Number on 0300 300 0123 or texting Parentline on 07520631590. Our opening hours are 8am-6pm Monday-Friday (excluding bank holidays) and 9am-1pm on Saturdays.
If you are 11-19 you can text Chathealth on 07480 635060 for confidential advice from one of the Healthy Child Programme team.
