The internet is a fantastic place for children to learn, create and have fun. However, they may occasionally have to deal with a variety of sometimes challenging online safety issues and risks.
See advice on a range of online safety issues that your child may face to help them enjoy the digital world safely and smartly.
Online safety issues could include cyberbullying, the pressure to take part in sexting, encouragement to self-harm and viewing pornography, along with many others. But there are positive things you can do to help prepare yourself and your child to confidently tackle any issue they may face.
We’ve created a number of internet safety advice hubs to help you learn more and find support for these risks. Choose an online safety issue below to help keep children safe online.
Receive personalised resources and advice for your family that keep you up-to-date as your children grow.
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Cyberbullying is one of the most far-reaching online safety issues facing children today. Support your child with expert advice.
With so many sources of information online, it can be hard to keep up with what is real and what is fake online.
Learn how to protect your child from a range of inappropriate content that they may have a negative impact on their wellbeing.
As children talk to more strangers online, it’s important to make them aware of the potential risks and how to put online safety first.
Online hate can spread quickly through digital spaces even without children realising. See the different types and find resources to keep things positive.
Online pornography and sexualised images are easily accessible on the internet. Learn how to protect your child from the online safety issue.
A child’s online reputation can be affected by what they publish and post online. See tips to help them develop a positive digital footprint.
Children are at risk of identity theft just as much as adults, so it’s important to ensure they understand the importance of personal data privacy.
Children can be introduced to ideas online that may be considered extreme and become radicalised, see what you can do to prevent this.
Learn more about the impact screen time can have on children and how to make the most of it to support your child.
Children can use the internet to learn about self-harm, which could impact their mental wellbeing. Tackle this online safety issue with expert advice.
Sexual messaging and image sharing between children or with people they’ve met online can have unwanted consequences.
In each internet safety advice hub, you’ll find specific information about the issue, tips on how to talk about the issue with your child, recommended expert resources and practical advice on the positive actions you can take. Here is a break down of the main sections available on each hub:
Familiarise yourself with the issue your child may be facing or that you are concerned about in the gaming and social media platforms they use in their downtime.
Receive practical tips and advice to deal with the issues your child comes across online and learn when it’s time to involve police. From using parental control settings to having conversations, these actions will help keep your child safe online.
Find tips on how to protect your child from internet safety risks, including how to have positive conversations by keeping the dialogue honest and open.
Explore further resources for reporting online safety issues, accessing parent support and finding communities and spaces to help your child have positive online experiences in the gaming and social media platforms they use.
Digital Matters online safety learning platform
Childline message boards for children and young people
Ditch the Label forum for young people