With the closure of schools and the government advising that we stay at home, more and more people are turning to the internet and online services.
And whilst the internet is providing a lifeline to those working from home, it can also be a dangerous xxx for young people to navigate safely.
Talking to your child about online safety
It can be hard to know how to talk to your child about their life online, what they are doing and who they are speaking to. The NSPCC suggests that
"talking regularly, like you would about their day at school, will help your child feel relaxed and mean that when they do have any worries, they’re more likely to come and speak to you."
https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/talking-child-online-safety/
Online Games
Gaming, whether using a games console, mobile app or PC, can be a great way for young people to relax and socialise with their friends. However there are a number of risks associated with online games, especially talking to people they don't know.
The NSPCC provides lots of useful information on why children play online games and the potential risks.
Parental Controls
Parental controls can help you to limit the time your children spend on devices or applications and create content filters to prevent them from accessing upsetting or inappropriate content.
On the NSPCC website you can find useful information on how to set up parental controls on a number of devices, from tablets to computers to games consoles.
Useful Resources
The NSPCC provides an online hub for parents and carers that looks at topics from setting up parental controls to advice on sexting, online games and video apps.
Net Aware is an initiative provided by O2 and The NSPCC that acts as your guide to the latest social apps, networks and games. You can sign up to their newsletter to get emails on the latest social networks, apps and games so you're always up to date with what your children are using.
Thinkuknow is an education programme from the Nation Crime Agency's CEOP Command. The programme includes lots of great tools and resources for both you and your children. Such as these home activity packs.