Saturday 17 February 2018

Help Keep Your Children Safe Online

Message Sent By: Holly Turner (Police, Comms Officer, Thames Valley)

Help keep your children safe online

The internet is a fantastic place for young people to learn, play and socialise but it’s vital that they’re aware of its dangers and how to stay safe.

Here’s a few tips to help your child stay safe online:
  • Make sure your child knows what personal information is and that they’re share aware
  • Ensure you understand the social media your child is using. If you don’t know your Roblox from your Snapchat or are getting in a Twitch trying to keep on top of the social media networks your child is using, visit the Net Aware website
  • Follow the NSPCC’s TEAM approach:
    o    Talk – to your child/children about staying safe online, what worries them and you about them being online, the emotional aspects of social media (jealousy, self-esteem etc.)
    o    Explore their online world together
    o    Agree rules about what is ok and not
    o    Manage parental controls on all your family’s devices.
    o    Repeat – make it part of everyday life
If you need help setting up parental controls, adjusting privacy settings or need advice on social networks call the free O2 & NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5002.

If you fall victim to cyber crime or experience an attempted scam report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or visit www.actionfraud.police.uk.

For more information and advice visit www.thamesvalley.police.uk/pyw.