Here are some tips to help keep your child safe online:

Explore e-safety sites

There are lots of links to useful e-safety sites for children in our Links section. They are great fun to explore, so why not browse through them with your children?

Social Media

Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, SnapChat and TikTok all have a minimum age limit of 13 and as such we would advise pupils do not use them.

WhatsApp has a minimum age limit of 16.

YouTube profiles have a minimum age limit of 18 and we would advise children use YouTube Kids - https://www.youtubekids.com/ 

Keeping children safe on video apps

1. Know what they’re using

Ask which apps your child watches or posts on.
Most video apps are 13+.

🔐 2. Turn on safety settings

Use parental controls such as:

  • Family Pairing / Supervised accounts

  • Restricted Mode

  • Screen-time limits

🙈 3. Keep accounts private

Check:

  • Account privacy is ON

  • Followers are real-life friends

  • Location sharing is OFF
    Remind children never to share personal details or school uniform.

👀 4. Watch together

View videos with your child when you can.
Talk about what they’re seeing and whether it feels real, kind or safe.

💬 5. Keep talking

Let them know:

  • They can tell you if they see something upsetting

  • They should ask before downloading new apps

  • Anything they post can be saved or shared

🚫 6. Know what to do

Teach children how to block and report content or people that make them uncomfortable. Encourage them to talk openly with you about content that upsets or scares them.

🛏️ 7. Agree simple rules

Examples:

  • Devices downstairs at night

  • No screens at mealtimes

  • Take breaks from scrolling

Some links to more information:

www.thinkuknow.co.uk  - Containing internet safety advice for those aged from 5 to 16, along with parents and teachers, this site is produced by CEOP (the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre).

ceop.police.uk - Receive help and advice as well as the option to report any instance of sexual contact or harmful material to the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre.

www.childnet.com/resources/kia - Information and advice about internet safety for children, parents and schools.

www.bullying.co.uk - Information and advice about bullying for children, parents and schools.

www.childline.org.uk - ChildLine is the free helpline for children and young people in the UK.

www.swiggle.org.uk/Stay-Safe - Safe search website from South Gloucestershire.