Online Safety for Parents & Carers
The online world is a big part of children’s lives. It helps them learn, socialise, and have fun — but it also comes with real risks.
Online safety isn’t about stopping children from using technology. It’s about helping them use it safely, confidently, and responsibly.
In Salford, we work directly with children and families and know that the most effective approach is not just about controls — it’s about relationships, routines, and understanding your child’s online world.
Understanding Your Child’s Online World
Children today are not just “using the internet” — they are:
* Chatting in group chats (often unsupervised)
* Watching algorithm-driven content on platforms like TikTok and YouTube
* Gaming online with voice and text chat
* Sharing images and videos as part of everyday communication
Many young people tell us:
“Adults don’t really understand what we do online.”
That’s why the most important thing you can do is stay curious and involved.
Ask:
* “What do you like watching at the moment?”
* “Who do you talk to online?”
*“What’s your favourite app or game?
New and Emerging Risks (Including A.I.)
Technology is changing quickly, and new risks are emerging.
A.I. and Fake Content
Artificial Intelligence can now:
* Create realistic fake images (including nude images)
* Clone voices or faces
* Generate fake conversations or messages
* Character role-play
This means:
* Not everything online is real
* Images can be created or changed without someone’s consent
What parents can do:
* Talk about how images and videos can be fake
* Encourage children to question what they see
* Make it clear: sharing or creating harmful images can have serious consequences
Image Sharing and Pressure
For many young people, sharing images feels normal — but it can quickly become risky.
We see:
* Pressure to send images
* Images being shared without consent
* Content being used to embarrass or control others
Key message:
Once something is shared, it can be very hard to control where it goes.
Image Sharing advice (Younger Children)
Image Sharing advice (Teenagers)
Group Chats
Group chats are one of the biggest sources of harm.
They can involve:
* Bullying and exclusion
* Sexualised content
* Peer pressure to join in
What helps:
* Talking regularly about what happens in chats
* Letting your child know they can leave or mute chats
* Reassuring them they won’t get in trouble for speaking up
Algorithms and Influence
Apps like TikTok and YouTube show content based on what users watch.
This can lead to:
* Exposure to harmful or extreme content
* Reinforcement of negative ideas
* Content that feels “normal” but isn’t safe
Encourage children to:
* Think critically: *“Why am I being shown this?”*
* Talk about anything that makes them uncomfortable
Common Online Risks
Children may experience:
- Cyberbullying – hurtful messages or exclusion
- Talking to strangers – not everyone is who they say they are
- Inappropriate content – sexual or violent material
- Scams and fraud – especially in games and social media
- Pressure and coercion – including around images
Digital Parenting: What Works
There is no single solution — but the most effective approach includes three key areas:
1. Conversations (Most Important)
Talk to your child regularly about their online life.
Not just when something goes wrong.
Try:
* Keeping conversations calm and non-judgemental
* Showing interest, not just concern
* Letting them know they can come to you without fear of punishment
CEOP Guide to online safety conversations
2. Controls
Parental controls can help manage risk, especially for younger children.
These include:
* Device controls (screen time, app limits)
* App and platform safety settings
* Privacy settings
It’s also useful to connect with your child on the platforms they use. Some apps have parental versions which you can associate with your child’s account which gives more oversight.
Important:
Controls support parenting — they don’t replace it
Parental Controls and Privacy Settings
Complete Guide to Parental Controls
3. Filters
Internet Service Providers (like BT, Sky, Virgin Media) offer free home filters.
These can:
* Block inappropriate content
* Provide an extra layer of protection
Healthy Routines and Boundaries
Clear routines make a big difference.
Device Use
* Avoid devices in bedrooms overnight
* Keep devices in shared family spaces where possible
Screen Time
* Agree times for using devices
* Build in offline time
Screentime guidance for under 5s
Screentime and older Children/Young People
Family Agreements
Work together to agree:
* Which apps are allowed
* Who they can talk to
* What is okay to share
Children are more likely to follow rules they helped create.
What To Do If Something Goes Wrong
My child has seen something upsetting
* Stay calm
* Reassure them they are not in trouble
* Talk it through together
My child is talking to someone they don’t know
* Ask open questions
* Avoid blame
* Report concerns to the CEOP
My child has shared an image
* Stay calm (this is crucial)
* Do not shame or punish
* Seek support — school, police, or CEOP if needed
CEOP Guidance when too much is shared
My child is being bullied online
* Save evidence (screenshots)
* Block/report users
* Inform school if appropriate
5 Things You Can Do Today
1. Ask your child to show you their favourite app
2. Check privacy settings together
3. Turn on your home internet filters
4. Agree where devices are used in the house
5. Start a simple, regular conversation about their online life
Further Help and Support
Final Message
Online safety is not about knowing everything your child is doing.
It’s about making sure they know:
If something goes wrong, I can talk to you.
That is the single most important protective factor.
Latest news
Details of all the latest news from the Salford Safeguarding Children Partnership.