Internet use and safety

The Internet can be a great source of fun and learning for your child, and you needn't be frightened of your child using it if you follow some simple rules.

• Always sit with young children when they use the Internet.
• With an older child who wants to explore on their own, it is a good idea to keep the computer in a family room or a place you share.
• Be aware you can adjust browser settings and filters to protect children from unsuitable sites. For more help with this check out the Net SMART rules.
• Talk to your child about how to stay safe and let them know they can speak to you if they find themselves in any sort of trouble.
• There are plenty of safe places for children to play and learn on the web, get to know them and maybe save these as short-cuts in your favourites folder.
• Social networking sites aimed at grown-ups, such as Facebook, Youtube and Twitter, are not suitable for children. The suggested minimum age for most social networking sites is 13.

Finally, here are a number of websites offering help and support to both children and grown-ups.

• NSPCC - Keeping your child safe online
• Thinkuknow -Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) Centre
• CBBC's Stay Safe
• BBC Health - Internet Safety