Children start using computers from a very early age and are increasingly using the Internet more and more whether it is at home, in school, on their mobile phones or on a games console. With this in mind, Internet Safety and knowing how to help protect children and young people online is essential.
Internet safety checklist for Primary School aged children
Early use of digital technology has been shown to improve language skills and promote children’s social development and creativity. But it’s not without risks for young children, who may come across inappropriate content or begin to copy what older children do online.
Agree to boundaries
Be clear about what your child can and can’t do online – where they can use the internet, how much time they can spend online, the sites they can visit, and the type of information they can share. Agree with your child when they can have a mobile phone or tablet.
Explore together
The best way to find out what your child is doing online is to ask them to tell you about what they do and what sites they like to visit. If they’re happy to, ask them to show you. Talk to them about being a good friend online.
Put yourself in control
Install parental controls on your home broadband and any internet-enabled devices. Set up a user account for your child on the main device they use and make sure other accounts in the household are password-protected so that younger children can’t access them by accident.
Use airplane mode
Use airplane mode on your devices when your child is using them so they can’t make any unapproved purchases or interact with anyone online without your knowledge.
Stay involved
Encourage them to use their tech devices in a communal area like the lounge or kitchen so you can keep an eye on how they’re using the internet and also share in their enjoyment.
Talk to siblings
It’s also a good idea to talk to any older children about what they’re doing online and what they show to younger children. Encourage them to be responsible and help keep their younger siblings safe.
Search safely
Use safe search engines such as Swiggle or Kids-search. You can save time by adding these to your ‘Favourites’. Safe search settings can also be activated on Google and other search engines, as well as YouTube.
Check if it’s suitable
The age ratings that come with games, apps, films, and social networks are a good guide to whether they’re suitable for your child. For example, the minimum age limit is 13 for most social networking sites, including TikTok, Facebook, Snapchat, X(Twitter), and Instagram. Please follow the links (click on the platform name) to SWGfl guides for each social media platform.
WhatsApp has a minimum age of 16.
Report online abuse by clicking the button below:
CEOP (Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre) works to protect children from harm online and offline, directly through CEOP led operations in partnership with local and international agencies. Their website offers further support on how and when to make use of this report function. There is also a CEOP report button in the footer of this website.