SECTION 1
Supporting children to be
safe and happy online
This guide has been written to help adults who live, or work directly, with children and young people to support them to be safe and happy online.
TOPICS COVERED INCLUDE:
- The benefits of the internet
- Putting children and young people at the heart of online safety support
- Guidance on constructive conversations
- Tackling challenging issues, and responding to safety concerns
If children and young people are given opportunities to talk freely about the internet from an early age, with adults who are interested, engaged, and supportive in their responses, this can be a useful way to share different safety messages at age-appropriate stages and pave the way to having more difficult conversations in the future. The value of regular conversation is a theme that is reinforced throughout this resource.
Technology companies and private industry have a significant role to play in this process too. It’s imperative that companies are aware of the age of users who are accessing their platforms and do all they can to safeguard children and young people to ensure that they do not encounter age-inappropriate, harmful, or dangerous content.
Whether you are a parent or carer, educator, social worker, medical or mental health practitioner, in law enforcement, or from any other professional background, you will know what a pivotal role the internet and technology play in the lives of children and young people. Through socialising, gaming, enjoying music and videos, and completing schoolwork, use of the internet can be interwoven into every aspect of growing up.
Whilst the internet and technology, and all the amazing opportunities they offer, should be embraced as a positive, there are risks that children and young people must be educated to identify, understand, and manage. Although age limits and verification, user terms and conditions, and moderating and reporting services are all useful tools, online risk cannot be eliminated. Therefore, one of the most effective ways to support any child or young person online is through open and honest communication, and education about online risks and what to do to stay safe.
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Explore each chapter of the guide or download the full guide here