Online Safety
Internet Safety
The internet is essential for children's education and social interaction, allowing them to explore and be curious. As they grow, they access various technologies such as social media, games, and apps on different devices. Although the internet offers positive opportunities for learning, it also requires measures to ensure the safety of children. Monitoring online activity through broadband providers can help protect them. For more information on parental controls and internet safety, please see the guide linked below.
Please click on the links below to explore the information to support your knowledge and understanding around online safety and how to keep your child safe.
Online Slang
Online slang can be a vibrant way for young people to express themselves, but it also changes rapidly and can sometimes carry hidden meanings. This guide helps adults navigate this shifting landscape by breaking down what some of today’s most-used slang terms actually mean and why they matter. From ‘rizz’ to ‘sigma’, it’s a handy starting point for anyone wanting to better understand how young people communicate online.
Online Safety for Under 5s
According to Ofcom’s most recent research, a significant proportion of children are already online by the time they start school, with 17% of 5-year-olds owning their own mobile phone and 50% using messaging platforms. As becoming familiar with technology is generally encouraged in younger children – and has been essential for education during the pandemic – it is essential that trusted adults recognise both the benefits and the risks of infants and toddlers going online. We’ve compiled our top tips to help the under-5s start their online safety journey.
In the guide, you'll find tips such as managing screen time, block in-app purchases and using devices together.
Understanding Emojis
Emojis aren’t just digital decoration — they’re often used as a coded language that young people use to express identity, humour and emotion. Without context, they can easily be misunderstood by adults, leading to confusion or missed signals. Some emojis may even mask risky behaviours or emotional struggles.
This guide helps decode this ever-evolving language, empowering parents and educators to have more open, informed conversations with the children in their care. It also highlights the meaning of some common emojis and offers practical tips for staying clued-in without snooping or suspicion.
Useful Guides for Popular Apps
Extra Resources for Parents
InternetMatters.org
NSPCC
CEOP
