As a Parent/Carer, there are several ways in which you can help you child stay safe when using the internet, online platforms and social media.
The most important thing is to educate your child. By talking and discussing internet safety in ways in which your child can understand, you can go a long way to give them the basic skills to surf safely.
respectme, is Scotland’s anti-bullying service. The service is fully funded by the Scottish Government and is managed by SAMH (Scottish Association for Mental Health) in partnership with LGBT Youth Scotland. Their vision is of a respecting, just, equal and inclusive Scotland in which all children and young people can live free from bullying and harassment in person or online.
The UK’s front-line agency for Child safety on line is CEOP (Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre). CEOP is part of the UK police force and is dedicated to protecting children from sexual abuse wherever they may be. Their website is at www.ceop.gov.uk/
CEOP have established a unique internet child safety program called Think You Know. Visit the online safety centre at www.thinkuknow.co.uk for information and activities for children of ages, plus information for parents, carers and teachers.
UK Safer Internet centre are a partnership of three leading organisations: Childnet International, Internet Watch Foundation and SWGfL, with one mission – to promote the safe and responsible use of technology for young people. They have a wealth of advice and resources for children and young people of all ages and their website is at https://www.saferinternet.org.uk/
Internet Matters works in partnership with most of the major broadcasters and internet providers in the UK. From age-specific online safety checklists to guides on how to set parental controls on a range of devices, you’ll find a host of practical tips to help children get the most out of their digital world on their website at https://www.internetmatters.org/
