With the majority of young people still learning from home, they will be spending more time online doing their college work, playing games or socialising. Technology is hugely valuable for education, as well as a way to keep in touch with friends and family. However it’s important we all consider how we can help keep young people safer online during this lockdown, and always. Here’s some information about what your child may enjoy online and what you can do to help keep them safer:
Online gaming
Online games are social activities, and most have features that allow young people to chat with others whilst they play.
For information about the positives of gaming, the risks of ‘in-game chat’ and measures you can take to help protect your child, watch this short video:
In-game chat: a guide for parents and carers .
Sharing images and videos
Young people often share images or ‘selfies’ and there is potential for some of those to be nude or nearly nude images. Young people share ‘nudes’ for a number of different reasons, and some situations are more risky than others.
For information about the contexts in which images are shared and how best to respond, take a look at nude selfies: a parents guide.
Have an ongoing conversation: Continue to talk about the apps, games and sites they like to use, and what they like and don’t like and any concerns about being online. Discuss with them when to unfollow, block or report. For help starting this conversation, read having a conversation with your child
Make sure they know where to go for support: Remind your child they can always speak to you or an adult they trust if anything happens online that makes them feel worried or upset. Remind them that they wont be in trouble at that you are there to help. For a breakdown of report services, visit: Supporting your child with reporting unwanted content online
Make sure they know about NCA CEOP: Young people can report a concern about grooming or sexual abuse to NCA CEOP at https://www.ceop.police.uk/safety-centre/ and get support from a specialist Child Protection Advisor.
Parental controls: Parental controls have been designed to help you manage your child's online activities. There are various types, some of which are free but others which can be bought. However, nothing is totally fool proof so they shouldn't replace the need for you to support and advise your child using the internet. For more information and step by step instructions on setting up parental controls, visit Parental Controls & Privacy Settings Guides - Internet Matters.
Be non-judgemental: Explain that you would never blame them for anything that might happen online, and you will always give them calm, loving support.
Talk about how their online actions can affect others: If your child is engaging with peers online, remind them to consider how someone else might feel before they post or share something. If they are considering sharing a photo/video of somebody else, they should always ask permission first.
Tell them about Thinkuknow: Our websites provide open and honest guidance for young people on friends, relationships and the internet, covering topics like dealing with pressure; consent; and getting support when you’re worried. Visit our website for 11-13's or our website for 14+ for age appropriate information
Direct your child to age appropriate information about relationships and sex: It’s natural for young people to start exploring their sexual feelings online and adolescents are more inclined to take risks. It’s important to understand this and to talk to your child in a positive, encouraging and safe way. Thinkuknow, Brook, The Mix and Childline all provide age appropriate information about relationships and sex that you can signpost your child to.