Getting started online
It is important to adopt good practices and set boundaries when your child first starts using devices and entering the online world. Their first time may be the moment they have their own smart phone, games console, laptop or tablet or have access to someone else’s.
Knowing how and when to introduce your child to the internet, digital devices and going online is an important decision, which can feel daunting. Breaking it down into small steps will help you and your child build confidence being online together.
Setting up their first device
Consider what you want your child to get out of their device and being online. Talk about what they might use their device for, this might include:
- Playing games
- Reading e-books
- Getting creative
Explore different age-appropriate apps and games together and talk about what your child likes about them. This is a good way of learning what your child likes to do online.
Parental controls
Setting up parental controls on the device your child uses can help protect them from inappropriate content.
You can also set screen-time limits, helping them strike the balance between being online and doing things offline (in the real world).
Internet Matters has simple guides on how to set up parental controls for different apps, games and platforms.
Managing screen time
Did you know, the Government recommends no screen time for children under 2 years old and no more than 1 hour a day for those aged 2 to 5 years.
Encourage your child to adopt positive screen-time habits and digital routines by setting boundaries like the following:
- No screens during mealtimes
- Keeping devices in communal areas
- No screens at bedtime
Screens should not displace sleep, face-to-face friendships or physical exercise.
The Children’s Commissioner’s ‘Digital 5-a-Day’ framework can help your child find a healthy balance of online and offline activities.
Where to report if things go wrong
Occasionally, things can happen online that may upset or harm your child. It's not your or your child’s fault, but it’s important to act.
Understanding what has happened to your child, or what they have seen, will help you decide what action to take. It’s important to remember to:
- Stay calm
- Reassure your child you can help them solve the problem
- Ask non-accusatory question to gain understanding
Reports can be made to the following:
- Report Remove Tool – report sexual images/videos and have them removed
- CEOP – report sexual abuse or exploitation concerns
- ACT Campaign – report terrorism related content
- You can also report child abuse to your local council
Many social media platforms and online games have their own reporting tool. Internet Matters has helpful guides on how to report harmful content across several popular social media platforms and video games.
If you feel your child is in immediate danger, call 999.
Speak to an expert
If you feel you need more support or have questions about staying safe online, helplines are available to you and your child offering expert advice on how to stay safe online, or support if something upsetting has happened:
- NSPCC – free, confidential helpline for adults worried about a child. Open Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm: 0808 800 5000
- Young Minds – mental health support for children and young people. Free parents’ helpline open Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 4pm: 0808 802 5544
- Childline – free, confidential service for children and young people up to age 19. Open 24/7: 0800 1111
- Shore – free service for young people worried about their own or someone else’s sexual behaviour. Open Monday to Thursday, 5pm to 8pm: support@theshore.co.uk