Struggling to talk about online safety to a child.

Dear Residents, 

How do you start tricky conversations with your child about online safety? 

We’ve worked with Internet Matters – experts in helping families keep children safe online – to share 5 simple ways to start talking to your child about what they’re seeing online.

1️⃣  Explore together how time online affects their mood and feeling

Quick tip: Encourage small goals, like taking breaks, mixing online and offline activities, or setting gentle timers.

2️⃣  Discuss if something online made them feel uncomfortable or worried, would they know what to do?

Quick tip: Reassure children that asking for help is OK. Give examples of safe responses (e.g. ignore, block, ask for help).

3️⃣  Start a conversation about the kind of content they enjoy watching and engaging with 

Quick tip: Use this insight to guide positive content choices and spot any potential red flags.

4️⃣  Check in with them. Are they comfortable asking you if they’re unsure about something they’ve seen online 

Quick tip: Nurture open conversations to build trust. 

5️⃣  Regular, shorter chats work better than one long “big talk”. Keep it light and ongoing, this will help your child know online safety is just part of normal life.

It could be the most important conversation you have.  

🛡️ For further tips on online safety visit internetmatters.org

🗣️ If you’re concerned that someone might be taking a dangerous path, get advice and support by visiting actearly.uk