How to keep your child safe on the internet
9 February 2010 was European Safer Internet Day, so read our tips to make sure your child is surfing safely
Rather than giving children a list of internet dos and don'ts that may make them nervous, encourage them to be 'smart' online instead. Childnet International has a list of SMART rules that you can read and discuss together.
"I go and look over the kids' shoulders now and again to see what they're doing. Or sometimes I'll have a look through the 'History' folder. They get really irritated, but I think it's essential."
Mark, dad of Precious, 10, and Nathaniel, 8
"Children often use applications that their parents don't understand. We encourage parents to get involved and learn from their children. We're not saying parents should be computer experts, but you need to have some understanding. That way kids are more likely to come to you if they do run into problems."
Will Gardner, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Childnet International
"Encourage your child to talk to you about what they have been doing on the internet. Make sure they feel able to speak to you if they ever feel uncomfortable, upset or threatened by anything they see online."
Chris Cloke, NSPCC Head of Child Protection Awareness
Encourage kids to look out for each other when they're online. Explain that it's all part of staying safe and having fun together.
"Another boy started being nasty to Marley on one of his favourite sites, so he logged off straightaway and told me. I explained the site had moderators, we emailed them and they dealt with it. Kids should know there are people who can help when upsetting things happen."
Michelle, mum of Marley, 9, and Roy, 7 months
"If something bad does happen when your child is using the internet, try not to overreact. Children won't come and talk to you if they think you're going to take the internet away from them."
Will Gardner, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Childnet International
You can buy filtering software, which will filter out anything that isn't child friendly, or download it free from the internet — see www.getnetwise.org for more information.
"We use the parental controls on our computer to monitor which websites the kids visit, but we keep expanding them. Whenever the school recommends a website we add it in, for example, or if a friend suggests something we check it out then add that too. That way they have more and more freedom as they get bigger."
Malgosia, mum of Louis, 8, Clara, 6, and Oliver, 3
Explain to children that it's not safe to reveal personal information, such as their name, address or phone number on the internet. Encourage them to use a cool nickname rather than their own name.
"Each child has their own login with a password that we know, and each one is set up so it automatically goes to their favourite website. When they need to do research on the net – for homework, for example – me or my hubby will sit and supervise."
Farzana, mum of Hassaanah, 9, Safiyyah, 7, Abdullah, 6, Khadeejah, 4, and Zahraa, 14 months
"We encourage the kids to use all the software we've already got on the computer. They can do all sorts of things like drawing and taking pictures and making music. There's plenty for them to do without going on the internet."
Lauren, mum of Ellie-Mae, 8, and Krystal-Lee, 5
"Go on the internet with your child and agree what sites are OK to visit. Regularly check that they are staying within the agreed limits."
Chris Cloke, NSPCC Head of Child Protection Awareness
Attachments and weblinks on emails can contain viruses and may expose children to inappropriate material. Teach children to only open attachments or click on links from people they know.
"Our oldest, Stan, has started looking at YouTube for skateboarding clips and similar, and many of them have swearing in. Now we've banned YouTube apart from when one of us is with him."
David, dad of Stan, 7, and George, 4
"Children arranging to meet people they have met on the net is potentially dangerous. It should only ever be done with parents' permission and with parents present."
Will Gardner, deputy Chief Executive Officer of Childnet International
If your child is the victim of inappropriate or abusive behaviour on the internet, always report it. Good sites should have moderators who are there to look after their visitors. You can also report problems to the company you pay to get access to the internet (your internet service provider, or ISP).
If you have any suspicions that your child is at risk of sexual abuse via the internet, contact the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (CEOP).
Have your say
Have you ever had problems finding and setting-up programmes on your computer that prevent your children accessing unsuitable internet sites?
Or have you never tried because it seems so complicated?
Please visit our Safety forum and tell us about your experiences and you'll be helping NSPCC research on the difficulties mums and dads come up against trying to keep kids safe on the internet.
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