What is online safety?
Online Safety means understanding the potential risks that come with using the internet, knowing what is legal and appropriate online, and learning how to protect yourself from harm. It covers all fixed and mobile technologies that children and young people may use鈥攏ow and in the future鈥攚hich allow access to content or communication that could pose risks to their wellbeing or safety.
Online safety advice for parents
Keeping children safe online can feel challenging, especially when we cannot always see what they are doing on their devices. Parents often wonder who their child is talking to, what they are accessing and whether they are safe. This page brings together guidance, resources and support to help you navigate online safety with confidence. We work hard to keep families informed with the latest advice on how to support children in using technology safely and responsibly.
Cyber security evolves constantly, but the basics remain essential.
SWGfL has identified five key principles to help protect personal information online. Parents can access their guidance
Influencers use their online presence to promote products, lifestyles or ideas. Many young people follow influencers they relate to or admire. While many influencers use their platforms positively, it is important for parents to understand how influencer culture can shape behaviour, spending habits and self鈥慽mage. More information is available
Children and young people can be exposed to online grooming and exploitation. The website offers information and advice on how to recognise risks and support young people.
If you have concerns about the games your child is playing or how online interactions are affecting them, please speak to a member of our safeguarding team.
Online self鈥慼arm is a serious issue that may require specialist support.
provides clear guidance for parents on recognising the signs and understanding how to help.
Young people can be contacted online by offenders who attempt to manipulate or exploit them.
Increasingly, abuse occurs through 鈥渟elf鈥慻enerated鈥� imagery created under pressure or coercion.
Parents can access guidance on preventing this through the
Parental controls allow you to manage what your child can access online, including websites, apps and device settings. They are built into most modern devices and help create a safer digital environment.
Parenting online is not so different from parenting offline. The WWW approach can help:
- WHO your child is talking to
- WHAT they are doing
- WHERE they are going online
Useful resources include and , both offering practical advice for families.
To report online material that promotes terrorism or extremism, click
The Game Players Code provides six steps to help young people protect themselves from fraud while gaming –
- SCREEN any chats from strangers, as well as unexpected gifts and special edition or time-limited offers. Never transfer money to someone you haven鈥檛 met in person.
- HIDE personal information from others at all times, concealing your personal details where possible to avoid them being leaked.
- INVESTIGATE any gaming-related purchases before handing over money, such as checking whether the website is blacklisted on聽聽and only making card payments that offer greater consumer protections.
- EVALUATE whether gaming-related downloads are being made from established trusted sources and whether they are safe by checking for malware via聽
- LOCK your gaming network by using聽, two-factor authentication within platforms and anti-virus software.
- DELINK your bank details from gaming and online browser accounts. Having two-factor authentication set up on bank transactions and using prepaid cards will also help to keep your money protected.
A range of trusted organisations offer support for parents:
- 鈥� advice, guides and safety tools
- 鈥� age鈥憇pecific online safety guidance
- 鈥� protection from phishing and data theft
- 鈥� resources for families
- 鈥� guidance on extremism and online hate
- 鈥� support for under鈥�25s
- 鈥� partnership offering online safety advice for families
Online safety for students
We want every student to feel safe and confident when using technology.
The internet is a big part of learning and everyday life, so it鈥檚 important to know how to use it responsibly and protect yourself online. The sections below offer guidance, support and useful links to help you stay safe.
Most apps and platforms allow you to block people, report harmful content and control who can contact you. Our guide shows you how to do this on popular platforms such as Snapchat, Instagram, WhatsApp, TikTok and Facebook.
Internetmatters.org has created an Online Critical Thinking Guide to help you recognise reliable information, question what you see online and make safe choices. You can find the link on our website.
Cyberbullying is when someone uses the internet, mobile phones, online games or other digital platforms to threaten, tease, upset or embarrass another person.
Helpful support includes:
- 鈥� advice on preventing and dealing with cyberbullying
- 鈥� practical information and online safety resources
If you are being bullied, don鈥檛 keep it to yourself. Speak to a trusted adult or use the link on our website to get help.
MeeToo is a free, anonymous app where young people aged 11+ can talk safely about anything that鈥檚 worrying them.
- Every post is checked by human moderators
- Trained psychology students and counsellors help guide discussions
- You can get support from other young people with similar experiences
You can learn more about how MeeToo works on their website and download the app from the Apple or Android app stores.
If you are worried that you are being sexually abused online, tell a trusted adult immediately or use the CEOP report button.
You can also find:
- Information on reporting or preventing online sexual abuse
- Guides for and
- Information about , where someone builds a relationship with you online to exploit or harm you
If a nude image or video of you has been shared online, you can get it removed. Childline and the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) offer a secure tool that allows young people to report images so they can be taken down. Click for more information.聽
Over 18 but shared an image before the age of 18 report it here:聽
In addition to the above you may also want to report to the police via 聽聽Making a report to the police聽
The Game Players Code is a six鈥憇tep guide to help you avoid scams and stay safe while gaming. Remember to:
- SCREEN any chats from strangers, as well as unexpected gifts and special edition or time-limited offers. Never transfer money to someone you haven鈥檛 met in person.
- HIDE personal information from others at all times, concealing your personal details where possible to avoid them being leaked.
- INVESTIGATE any gaming-related purchases before handing over money, such as checking whether the website is blacklisted on聽聽and only making card payments that offer greater consumer protections.
- EVALUATE whether gaming-related downloads are being made from established trusted sources and whether they are safe by checking for malware via聽
- LOCK your gaming network by using聽, two-factor authentication within platforms and anti-virus software.
- DELINK your bank details from gaming and online browser accounts. Having two-factor authentication set up on bank transactions and using prepaid cards will also help to keep your money protected.
Online safety advice for social media
Social media platforms are widely used by young people, and each one comes with its own features, risks and safety tools. Below you鈥檒l find clear guidance and links to trusted resources to help parents and carers understand how to keep children safe on the apps they use most.
Facebook is a social networking platform used to connect with friends, family and groups. Helpful resources:
FaceTime is Apple鈥檚 video鈥慶alling platform. Safety support:
HouseParty is a group video鈥慶hatting app that allows users to join live video calls with friends.
Instagram is an image and video鈥憇haring platform owned by Meta (Facebook).
Instagram has also introduced a tool to block abusive private message requests. This must be switched on in Settings.
Young people often use abbreviations and acronyms when messaging.
A helpful SMS Dictionary is available
Sarahah allows users to send and receive anonymous messages.
Skype is a video鈥慶alling and messaging platform used for communication across devices.
Snapchat is an instant鈥憁essaging app where photos and messages disappear after being viewed.
TikTok is a popular video鈥憇haring platform where users create and watch short videos.
Twitch is a livestreaming platform, popular for gaming content. Users must be 13 or older. Key safety points:
- Streams are live, so mistakes or personal information can be shared unintentionally
- Viewers can record and share 30鈥憇econd clips
- Young people should avoid sharing personal details and think carefully about their online reputation
More information is available
WhatsApp is a messaging app used for text, voice and video communication.
X is a microblogging platform where users post short messages called 鈥渢weets.鈥�
Useful links:
Yubo is a social networking app that allows young people to livestream and make new friends.