Parents and carers

Safer Internet Day is a great opportunity to focus on online safety with your child, whatever their age. This year’s theme is all about change and influence online and we have created a range of pages to help you talk about these issues and ideas with your child, no matter how much time you have and in an age-appropriate way.

Safer Internet Day 2024 is celebrated on 6th February 2024, with thousands of people across the UK working together to champion youth voice and engage in conversations about how we can all work together to make the internet a great and safe place.

Help and advice for you as a parent or carer

Below we look to answer some of the key questions you may have this Safer Internet Day.

 

About Safer Internet Day 2024

Read more about the theme of the day.

https://saferinternet.org.uk/safer-internet-day/safer-internet-day-2024

 

Things change so fast online, it’s hard to keep up with what my child is doing

Staying up to date with what children are doing online can feel like a challenge sometimes. Here are a few simple steps you can take to help bridge the gap.

https://saferinternet.org.uk/safer-internet-day/safer-internet-day-2024/parents-and-carers/things-change-so-fast-online-its-hard-to-keep-up-with-what-my-child-is-doing-2

 

My child keeps asking to play a game, or download an app that I don’t know about, what can I do?

The easiest way to address this is to research the game or app before you download it, to see what it is and what it offers e.g., in-app purchases, or connection with others etc.

https://saferinternet.org.uk/safer-internet-day/safer-internet-day-2024/parents-and-carers/my-child-keeps-asking-to-play-a-game

 

My child is asking for a new device and I’m not sure they’re ready for one

It’s important to think carefully before getting any kind of device for your child. Not only can it be an expensive decision, it’s also necessary to consider the 5 ‘Ws’.

https://saferinternet.org.uk/safer-internet-day/safer-internet-day-2024/parents-and-carers/my-child-is-asking-for-a-new-device-and-im-not-sure-theyre-ready-for-one

 

I’m not sure if the content my child is watching is a good influence on them, what can I do?

Children begin to be influenced by the content they watch as soon as they’re old enough to go online.

https://saferinternet.org.uk/safer-internet-day/safer-internet-day-2024/parents-and-carers/im-not-sure-if-the-content-my-child-is-watching-is-a-good-influence-on-them-what-can-i-do

 

What does an influencer do and how can they affect children’s behaviour?

Influencers are people who use their internet presence, celebrity status, or relationship with their audience to affect the behaviour of their followers.

https://saferinternet.org.uk/safer-internet-day/safer-internet-day-2024/parents-and-carers/what-does-an-influencer-do-and-how-can-they-affect-childrens-behaviour

 

My child is keen to share content and make a change online. How can I help them achieve this safely?

Lots of young people are turning to the internet to talk about issues they’re passionate about, to help raise awareness, and promote social change.

https://saferinternet.org.uk/safer-internet-day/safer-internet-day-2024/parents-and-carers/my-child-is-keen-to-share-content-and-make-a-change-online-how-can-i-help-them-achieve-this-safely

 

How to make a report online

Information to help you, if you need to make a report on an app, game, or website.

https://saferinternet.org.uk/safer-internet-day/safer-internet-day-2024/parents-and-carers/how-to-make-a-report-online

 

Safer Internet Video - https://youtu.be/SD5KW6dqnv0

 

Find out more about specific issues

If you want more information about specific online safety issues, there are a range of places that you can go.

https://saferinternet.org.uk/safer-internet-day/safer-internet-day-2024/parents-and-carers/find-out-more-about