Protecting children online: a guide for parents

Settings help, but talking matters most

Children use the internet to learn, play, create and stay in touch with friends. Most of it is positive. But they can also come across unsuitable content, unkind behaviour, scams, or adults who should not be contacting them.

Think of online safety like teaching a child to cross the road. When they are small you hold their hand. As they grow, you teach them the rules and give them more freedom. Technical controls are the hand-holding. Conversations build the judgement they need for the moment you are not there.

Set up the controls

Parental controls are settings that let you limit what a device or app can do. Most are free and already built in.

1. Home broadband. Most internet providers offer free filters that block adult websites on every device connected to your home Wi-Fi. Look in your provider's account settings or app.
2. Phones and tablets. iPhones and iPads have Screen Time; Android devices have Google Family Link. These let you approve app downloads, set age limits, set daily time limits and see which apps are used.
3. Games consoles. Consoles have family settings to limit game ratings, spending, chat and who can send messages.
4. Video and search. Switch on safe search, and use child versions of video apps for younger children.
5. App stores and payments. Require a password or your approval for purchases, so there are no surprise bills.

Tip: Set up a child's device with them. Explaining why each setting is there builds trust, and they are less likely to try to get around it.

Match the approach to their age

Every child is different. Use the age ratings on apps and games as a guide, and trust your own knowledge of your child.

Conversations worth having

Short, regular chats work better than one big lecture. Try asking what they enjoy online, and play their favourite game with them sometimes. Key messages to share:

• "You can always tell me, and you will not be in trouble." Children often hide problems because they fear losing their device.
• People online are not always who they say they are. Never meet an online-only friend without a parent.
• Keep personal details private: full name, school, address, phone number and location.
• Think before sharing photos. Once something is shared, you cannot fully take it back.
• If someone asks you to keep a secret from your parents, or sends something that makes you uncomfortable, tell an adult straight away.
• Be kind online, and tell someone if you see bullying.

Warning signs and what to do

Possible signs that something is wrong include a child becoming secretive about their device, upset after being online, withdrawn, or receiving gifts or money you cannot explain. If you are worried:

1. Stay calm and listen. Thank them for telling you.
2. Do not delete anything yet. Keep screenshots and usernames as evidence.
3. Use the block and report buttons on the app or game.
4. Talk to your child's school if other pupils are involved.
5. If you think an adult is trying to contact or groom your child, or your child is in danger, contact the police straight away.

Good habits for the whole family

• Agree simple family rules, such as no phones at meals and devices charged outside bedrooms at night.
• Teach children to spot scams and fake messages: spotting scam messages.
• Help older children create strong passwords: strong passwords made easy.
• Show them that AI chatbots can be wrong and are not real friends. Read using AI tools safely together.
• Model the behaviour you want. Children copy what they see.