The internet is increasingly present in the lives of children and young people and being online is more common than ever. 'Being online' includes using anything that requires access to the internet. For children and young people, this can include:
- computers
- laptops
- smartphones
- tablets - e.g. iPad, Amazon Fire, Lenovo Tab, Samsung Galaxy Tab, Android Tablet
- gaming consoles - e.g. PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch (these can be used online and offline), Steam Deck
- other devices that connect to the internet or games that require Wi-Fi to play
Anyone with a device that can connect to the internet can go online, so knowing how to stay safe online is important for all of us.
Going online can be a source of entertainment for children and young people, but it can also be a great tool for:
- socialising - e.g. Zoom, Skype or MS Teams to video call with friends and family, playing online games with friends, using social media
- communicating - e.g. messaging via WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger, Email
- learning - e.g. online classes using Zoom or other video call platforms, educational videos and tutorials, reading eBooks
It is important to recognise that being online also presents risks that may be upsetting or cause harm to children and young people.
Helping your child to understand what online safety is and how to stay safe when they go online can help them have positive experiences.
Understanding how to stay safe online can be overwhelming, but there are lots of resources with clear and simple information about being online that can help you support your child to be safe.
The Government's Kids Online Safety Campaign has lots of information about the importance of keeping your child safe online and guidance on how you can protect your child online.