1. The internet is an inspiring and positive place. It is an amazing resource which enables people (young and old) to connect, communicate and be creative in many ways and on many devices. However skilled we may or may not be, when it comes to computers / being online we do need to be able to advise and protect our children when it comes to their online lives. This leaflet will give you a place to start. Simple things to do: Have your computer in a family area Keep computers, tablets etc. out of bedrooms Talk to your children about what they do online (be interested) Keep your computer’s anti-virus up to date Safe: Be careful not to give out personal information online. Meet: Meeting someone you have only been in touch with online can be dangerous. Always take a trusted adult. Accepting: Accepting e-mails or opening files, pictures or texts from people you don’t know can lead to problems like viruses. Reliable: Remember that people online may not be who they say they are, so online friends are really strangers. Tell: Tell your parent or carer if someone or something makes you feel uncomfortable.

2. Conduct Content Contact Commercialism Children need to be aware of the impact that their online activity can have on both themselves and other people, and the digital footprint that they create on the internet (and cannot remove). Discuss with your child the importance of reporting inappropriate conversations, messages, images and behaviours and how this can be done. Some online content is not suitable for children and may be hurtful or harmful. Children may need your help as they begin to access content, including content accessed via social networks, online games, blogs and websites. There can be legal consequences for using or downloading copyrighted content, without seeking the author’s permission. It is important for children to realise that new friends made online may not be who they say they are and that once a friend is added to an online account, you may be sharing your personal information with them. Ensure privacy settings are used to limit the access to information that others can see. Impress on your child to tell a trusted adult straight away if someone is bullying them or making them feel uncomfortable. Children’s privacy and enjoyment online can sometimes be affected by advertising, which can lead to inadvertently spending money online. Encourage your children to keep their personal information private, block pop-ups and spam e-mails and turn off in-app purchasing on devices. Use a family e-mail address when filling out online forms. Ask your children to tell you about the websites and apps they like to use and what they enjoy doing online. Ask them about how they stay safe online. What tips do they have for you, and where did they learn them? What is OK and not OK to share? Ask them if they know where to go for help, where to find the safety advice, privacy settings and how to report or block on the services they use. Encourage them to help someone! Perhaps they can show you how to do something better online or they might have a friend who would benefit form their support and help. Think about how you use the internet. What more could you do to use the internet together? Are there activities that you could enjoy as a family?