Internet Safety

Without a doubt we now live in a digital world where we rely more and more on our mobile devices. With an estimated 5.3 billion users worldwide, the internet is not only a useful resource, it is often a vital one for many individuals and businesses. It brings information almost instantly to your screen, gives access to media content such as music and films whilst for others, it's a simple but effective way of simply keeping in touch.

However, the worldwide web like many things, has a dark side and it is really important as parents that we have an awareness of what content is accessible, what our children are accessing, who they are talking to, what they are being exposed to and more importantly, how to protect them.

How can the internet be accessed?

This first thing to think about is how children may access the internet. Most people associate internet access with computer or mobile phones when in fact the internet can be accessed through many different types of devices. Have a think about what devices you have in your home and what your child has access to, and remember, children are a lot more tech savvy than we are. Things to consider are (but are not limited to):

Smart TV's
Fire Sticks and Apple TV
Xbox, Playstations and Wiis
Mobile phones
iPads, Tablets and Amazon Fires
Computers, Laptops and Notebooks
Smart watches / Apple watches
Google Nest Hub and Amazon Echo

Social Media

What is Social Media?

Social media is an app or website designed to keep people in touch and to share things such as pictures, videos and thoughts. It is also used by businesses to advertise and share promotional offers. Most social media sites require the user to be of a minimum age in order to register and have their own account due to the content, conversations and risk they maybe exposed to. It is estimated that 4.88 billion people are social media users.

Social media is used by the majority of children in the United Kingdom (UK) and it plays a large role in the daily activities of kids. An October 2021 survey found that 91 percent of 15 to 16-year-olds used social media, and 87 percent had their own social media profile. Whilst this may not be surprising for those in their teenage years, it was also found that almost a quarter of children aged three to four years had their own social media profiles, indicating that social media exposure begins at an early age. [statista.com, 2023]

Social media platforms

When talking about social media, we often think of the most common ones such as Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram, Tik Tok and X (formerly Twitter), however, there are many more that we are less familiar with such as Omegle, Pinterest, Reddit, Bigo Live and Tumblr to name just a few.

For more information, please visit:

UKCIS Social media guide for parents and carers - Internet Matters

What are the potential risks?

Although the internet is generally a safe place, like everything it does carry some risk such as :

Inappropriate content: this could be a risk of exposure to material that is not age appropriate such as pornography, violence or racism
Cyber bullying: this could be threats, abusive comments or sharing of images
Cybercrime: this could be clickbait, chargeable subscriptions or Phishing
Grooming: this could be where someone creates a fake online profile (catphishing) in order to befriend a young person

Things you can do

Things you can consider when thinking about keeping your child safe online

Have the conversation: Speak to children about the dangers but also reassure them that is it OK to tell you about anything that worries or upsets them.
Parental Control Software: You can download apps to their devices which can block certain content, restrict internet access between certain times and gives parents usage reports.
Router Settings: Most modern routers are configurable and can be set to block specific websites or content as well as restricting usage times - speak to your internet provider if you are unsure.
Research: Look into what apps to be aware of, look for trusted sources of information.
Supervision: Be close to children whilst online, check what they are doing and what they are accessing.
Report: Report anything you are not comfortable with using the online reporting feature and via 101 if needed.

Please see the resource section below for more ideas and sources of information.

Resources

Websites

CEOP.police.uk
Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) are available for parents who are worried about online sexual abuse or the way someone has been communicating with children online.

Internetmatters.org
Internet Matters supports parents and professionals with comprehensive resources and expert guidance to help them navigate the ever-changing world of child internet safety.

NSPCC.org.uk
Keeping children safe online by supporting parents with online safety advice.

Saferinternet.org.uk
Established in 2011, the UK Safer Internet Centre is a leading global partnership helping to make the internet a great and safe place for everyone.

Online guides

Autism and the internet: risks and benefits | Autism.org.uk

Child Safety Online: A practical guide for parents and carers whose children are using social media | GOV.UK

Learning Disabilities, Autism and Internet Safety | Cerebra

Online safety | Ambitious about Autism

Online safety for children with SEND | NSPCC