Keeping your child safe online
Keeping Your Child Safe Online
The internet offers incredible opportunities for children to learn, play, and connect with friends and family. However, we know that many parents feel concerned about the potential risks that come with their child being online. You are not alone in feeling this way.
The government recognises these concerns and has created guidance and resources to help keep children safe from different risks they might encounter online. This page outlines what you need to know and where to go to get support and advice. Click here for support and advice
Understanding Online Harms
Knowing what risks exist is the first step to keeping your child safe. Some of the harms your child might experience online include:
Child Sexual Abuse: This includes grooming and exploitation. It's crucial to be aware of the warning signs and to know how to report concerns.
Criminal Exploitation: This includes exposure to gangs, violence, or other forms of criminal activity.
Radicalising Content: Exposure to content that promotes extremist views or encourages dangerous behaviours.
Sharing Inappropriate Images (Sexting): Guidance on the risks of sharing nude or semi-nude images and how to talk to your child about this sensitive topic.
Cyberbullying: The emotional and psychological harm caused by online harassment.
Age-Inappropriate Content: How to identify content that is unsuitable for your child's age and how to use parental controls to restrict access.
Click here for more support and advice
Where to Find Support
There are many resources available to help you navigate these challenges. We’ve highlighted some of the key areas of support for you and your child.
Parental Controls
Setting up parental controls is a great way to manage your child’s online experience. We can guide you to resources that show you how to set up controls on different devices and apps to filter content, manage screen time, and block inappropriate sites. Click here for more support and advice
Mental Health
Online harms, especially cyberbullying, can have a significant impact on a child’s mental health. Our team can provide guidance on how to support your child and connect you with mental health services if needed. Take a look at the support available across Sandwell
Apps to Help Children Stay Safe
The BBC has a website and app called Own It. The website helps children navigate their online lives, and the free smartphone app comes with a special keyboard which can intervene with help and support in the moments that children need it the most. It can be downloaded for free in the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
SafeToNet is an app for parents to help them protect their children from online risks like cyberbullying and sexting, while respecting their child’s rights to privacy.
Support for Parents
Sandwell's Changes Programme offers free programmes to support keeping your child safe online. Click here to view programmes available