The internet is a vast, unregulated space where children can easily encounter harmful content or engage with strangers. Without proper guidance and monitoring, children may unknowingly share personal information, become victims of cyberbullying, or be exposed to explicit material. Ensuring a safe online environment involves a combination of parental controls, open communication, and an understanding of which platforms are appropriate for our children.

A Few Tips for Keeping Children Safe Online

1. Set Up Parental Controls – Utilise built-in parental controls on devices and apps to restrict access to unsuitable content.
2. Monitor Online Activity – Regularly check browsing history and app usage to ensure children are engaging in safe online behaviour.
3. Educate Children About Online Dangers – We should be speaking to our children regularly about the importance of not sharing personal information and recognising suspicious behaviour.
4. Encourage Open Communication – So much rides on the trust we can create between us and our children. We need to work hard at creating a trusting environment where our children feel comfortable discussing their online experiences.
5. Set Screen Time Limits – Excessive screen time can have negative effects on children’s well-being. As parents, we must set boundaries to ensure a healthy balance.

Online Games and Apps That Are Not Suitable for Children

Some online games and social media apps are not designed for children owing to violent content, exposure to strangers, or inappropriate themes. Here are some that we should be very cautious of:

Online Games

• Grand Theft Auto V (GTA V) – Contains extreme violence, drug use, and explicit language.
• Call of Duty Series – Features graphic violence and war themes unsuitable for young players.
• Fortnite – Although popular, it allows voice chat with strangers, which can expose children to inappropriate interactions.
• Five Nights at Freddy’s – Includes intense horror elements that may not be suitable for younger audiences.
• Roblox (Unmoderated Sections) – While Roblox can be safe, some user-generated content is not monitored, exposing children to inappropriate themes.

Social Media Apps

• TikTok – Features unfiltered content and has been criticised for privacy concerns and exposure to inappropriate material.
• Snapchat – Messages disappear after being viewed, making it easier for children to engage in risky behaviour without evidence.
• Omegle – Allows anonymous chat with strangers, increasing the risk of predatory interactions.
• Discord – While popular for gaming communities, some servers contain explicit content and unmoderated discussions.
• Instagram – Despite its popularity, the platform exposes children to unrealistic body standards, cyberbullying, and potentially harmful content.

Online safety is a shared responsibility between parents, teachers, and technology providers. By staying informed and involved in our children's digital activities, we can create a safer online experience for them. Setting clear rules, monitoring content, and having open conversations about online risks will help our children develop responsible internet habits that will benefit them for life.

Craig Cuyler
Designated Safeguarding Lead/Director of Wellbeing/Head of PSHEe