Online safety or E-safety is all about minimising risk. It’s about being aware of the possible threats that online activity can bring, and how to deal with them. 

These risks are grouped into four categories: 

• Conduct: children’s behaviour may put them at risk 
• Content: access to inappropriate or unreliable content may put children at risk 
• Contact: interaction with unsuitable, unpleasant or dangerous people may put children at risk 
• Commercialism: children’s use of platforms with hidden costs may put them at risk 

Research has found that between the ages of nine and ten, smartphone ownership doubles. This means it is more important than ever to keep young people safe online.  

With increased exposure to the internet and a surge in social media use, the following links can help parents and carers understand the importance of young people adhering to e-safety guidelines. (Ofcom’s Media Use and Attitudes Report, February 2020). 

CEOP – for advice on making a report about online abuse
Parents and carers | CEOP Education (thinkuknow.co.uk) 

Childnet International – offers a toolkit to support parents and carers of children of any age to start discussions about their online life, and to find out where to get more help and support
Parents & carers | Childnet 

Internet matters provide age-specific online safety checklists, guides on how to set parental controls, and practical tips to help children get the most out of their digital world
https://www.internetmatters.org

Lucy Faithfull Foundation can be used by parents and carers who are concerned about someone’s behaviour, including children who may be displaying concerning sexual behaviour (not just about online)
Stop It Now! UK and Ireland | Preventing child sexual abuse 

Marie Collins Foundation – Sexual Abuse Online 
Welcome to Marie Collins Foundation 

NSPCC 
Keeping children safe online | NSPCC 

Parentzone provides help for parents and carers on keeping their children safe online 
Parent Zone | At the heart of digital family life 

Safetycentre – social media Online Safety Guides 
https://oursafetycentre.co.uk/safetycards

Tiktok
https://parentzone.org.uk/article/tiktok

UK safer internet centre provide tips, advice, guides and other resources to help keep children safe online and to report and remove harmful online content.
Parents and Carers – UK Safer Internet Centre 

Children’s commission provides advice about talking to your child about online sexual harassment 
Talking to your child about online sexual harassment: A guide for parents | Children’s Commissioner for England (childrenscommissioner.gov.uk)