Please find below some useful links and resources for parents/carers on how to keep your child safe. These resources cover a range of topics including mental health and wellbeing, online safety and what to do if you are worried about a child. 

Online Safety

Children start using computers, phones, tablets etc. at a very early age and are using the Internet more and more, whether it is at home, at school, on their phones or on a games console such as Xbox or PlayStation. However, the misuse of these types of technology poses potential dangers, and it is important that we as adults are aware of the dangers, minimise the risks and provide information to safeguard the community, particularly children, young people, and vulnerable adults.

• Cyberbullying – bullying or being bullied using any of the above-mentioned technologies.
• It could include sexting, stalking and harassment.
• Inappropriate content – being sent, or being invited to view, unwelcome content, e.g., sexual/pornographic/violent/hateful/racist/homophobic/self-harm content.
• Scams/Fraud – being targeted with the intent to obtain money illegally.
• Could include asking for personal details such as address, DOB etc.
• Grooming – unwanted approaches of a sexual nature/with sexual intent or with the intent radicalise or recruit into illegal activity.
• Overuse of technology, including all mobile devices and the Internet
• What you can do:
• Only allow your child a maximum of one hour a day on their computer
• Only allow your child to use a computer at home under supervision i.e., in the living room instead of their bedroom
• Set parental controls on all devices (including the TV)
• Give your child a basic phone, not the latest model.
• Encourage your child to talk to their friends face to face and have them round to the home, not just to communicate on social media.
• Monitor your child’s phone regularly and follow the advice given specifically for phones on the previous pages