Advice for Parents & Carers

Helping children stay safe online works best when families combine practical controls with regular conversations about healthy and responsible use of technology. The suggestions below are designed for primary school families and reflect current recommended practice in England.

Use Parental Controls and Privacy Settings
Most devices, apps, and broadband providers offer parental controls that help block unsuitable content and manage screen time.

• Tools such as Google Family Link, Apple Screen Time, and Microsoft Family Safety allow adults to set age-appropriate filters, approve downloads, and view activity reports.

• Your broadband provider (BT, Sky, Virgin Media, etc.) will have filtering options that can be switched on for all devices in the home.

• Check privacy settings on apps and games to make sure your child’s account is set to ‘private’ and that they are not sharing personal information.

Keep Technology in Shared Spaces
Where possible, encourage children to use computers, tablets, and gaming devices in family rooms rather than bedrooms. Being nearby makes it easier to stay aware of what your child is doing online and helps them feel more comfortable asking for help.

Talk Regularly About Online Behaviour
Open conversations are one of the most effective ways to support children.

• Ask your child what games, apps, or websites they enjoy and who they communicate with online.

• Remind them that they can always speak to a trusted adult if something online makes them feel unsure, worried, or upset.

• Discuss simple rules for kindness, sensible sharing, and what to do if someone is unkind online.

Support Safe and Responsible Communication
Children may use messaging features in games or apps without realising they are talking to strangers.

• Encourage them to use chat functions only with people they know in real life.

• Remind them never to share personal details such as their school, address, phone number, or photos without checking with an adult first.

Promote Healthy Device Habits
Agree clear routines for when and how long devices can be used each day.

• Time limits support focus, sleep, and wellbeing.

• Model healthy habits by taking breaks from screens and having device-free times such as mealtimes or bedtime.

Use Strong Passwords and Teach Good Security

• Create strong, unique passwords for all devices and accounts.

• Avoid children using the same password everywhere.

• Explain the importance of not sharing passwords with friends.

Know Where to Get Help and Reliable Information
There are excellent child-friendly resources that families can use together:

• Thinkuknow (CEOP) provides guidance and videos for parents and age-specific activities for children.

• Childnet offers clear advice on online safety, cyberbullying, and safe gaming.

• National Online Safety and Internet Matters provide easy-to-follow guides for different games, apps, and platforms.

• If you are concerned about something, CEOP can be contacted directly through their online reporting tool.

Stay Updated
Apps, games, and social media platforms change often. Checking age ratings and reading guides can help you understand what your child is using. Many popular games and apps have minimum age recommendations that parents may want to consider when making decisions for their child.