Information for Families

Children & the Internet

Children are naturally trusting, curious and keen to explore the web and the relationships it brings.  They need careful parental supervision and common-sense advice on how to ‘surf’ safely.  Potential risks include:

• People who might not be who they think they are or report to be
• Viruses
• Scams
• Internet pornography
• Cyber-bullying

How can I help protect my child online?

Dialogue

• Talk regularly with them about what they are doing
• Know what online technologies they are using

Supervision

• Monitor your child’s use of the Internet and, as far as possible, avoiding your child going online in private - can you have any form of supervision for a computer in their bedroom?

Ground Rules

• Have a conversation about how you think the internet should be used in your house.
• Have a 'no minimising window policy'. If a parent sees a window being minimised, this gives them a mandate to look at what was in that window.
• Don't give out personal details (e.g. address, telephone numbers, school)
• Never meet anyone offline that they have only met online without a trusted adult present.

Systems

• Anti-virus software.
• Parental controls - contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP) for more information.

Childnet International has developed Know It All for parents, an excellent and detailed resource.

Further Information

You can get more detailed information from the web sites listed below:

SWGFL Safe (www.swgfl.org.uk/safety) A very detailed resource offering a wide range of information on how children and young people use the internet and how to help them stay safe.

Parents Centre (www.parentscentre.gov.uk) A resource for parents covering everything to do with using computers and the internet.

NSPCC (www.nspcc.org.uk) 'Help your child surf in safety' - more information on safe surfing.

NCH (www.nch.org.uk/itok) Another site with a comprehensive section on Internet Safety.

Childnet International (www.childnet-int.org/safety/parents.aspx-linkflets) online presentations and tips from Childnet International, a non-profit organisation working with others to “help make the Internet a great and safe place for children”.

Get Net Wise (www.getnetwise.org) 'About . . . Kids Safety' - US based public service information from a coalition made up of a wide range of Internet industry corporations and public interest organizations, including an online safety guide, tools for families and web sites for kids.

Internet Safety Zone - a central source of advice for parents and children who use the Internet.

Internet Watch Foundation (www.iwf.org.uk) The IWF is the only authorised organisation in the UK operating an internet ‘hotline’ for the public and IT professionals to report their exposure to potentially illegal content online.  Their site also offers more general information about safe Internet usage, including this list of links to key documents and organisations.