The Internet has become part of our everyday lives and is now easier to access than ever before, but using the Internet can also have risks. Children and young people are more at risk of exposure to inappropriate or criminal behaviour if they are unaware of the dangers.

• viewing unsuitable content e.g. hate material, adult content, sites that endorse unhealthy behaviour
• giving out personal information
• arranging to meet an online ‘friend’
• becoming involved in, or the victim of, bullying, identity theft, or making and sending indecent or illegal images
• spending too much time online which can effect concentration, education, sleep and health
• copying information from the Internet or buying work from other people to use as their own

Leading on from our Internet Safety Day, we would encourage parents and carers to communicate with their child/children about internet safety including the use of social media. Please find below links to advice and support:

Parent guide to technology: Parents and Carers – UK Safer Internet Centre
Advice: Parents and carers – UK Safer Internet Centre
Social Media guide: UKCIS Social media guide for parents and carers – Internet Matters

Additional Sites that are informative are:

• CEOP – Think you Know
• BBC Stay Safe
• KidSMART
• Digital Parenting
• Safer Internet
• Common Sense Media
• Internet Matters