What to do if you are worried about a child

Online Safety

Online Sexual Abuse

Online sexual abuse is any type of sexual abuse that happens on the web, whether through social networks, online gaming or using mobile phones. In some cases, this involves children being groomed or exploited by an adult. Any child or young person that uses the internet or has a smartphone could be a victim of online abuse regardless of their age, gender or background.

We want to warn young people that those they are speaking to may not be who they say they are and to help parents and carers take action in protecting their children from falling victim to online sexual abuse.

  • Thames Valley Police campaign landing page 
  • Ellie’s story - An account of a victim on online child abuse that was first used in our Hidden Harm campaign in 2018. 
  • Thinkuknow - The education programme from CEOP, part of the NCA with advice and games focusing on staying safe online. 
  • Net Aware – a collaboration between the NSPCC and O2 with advice and information on a variety of social networks, apps and games.
  • NSPCC – adult helpline: 0808 800 5000, Childline: 0800 1111. 

We want to equip parents and carers with the information they need to keep their children safe online.  Please see the below links to the materials available:

Information for Home Schooling Networks

Social Media App Information

Online Safety

Children and young people growing up in the digital world use the internet as an everyday social utility, to communicate and to organise their lives. Technology and the internet also offer enormous opportunities to transform the lives and learning of children and young people for the better; to discover, connect and create. However, while children and young people should be empowered to use the internet responsibly, adults have a responsibility to ensure that children and young people are aware of the risks, and that they are in the best possible position to keep themselves safe online. It is very important that adults try to keep up with internet-enabled technology and the ways in which children and young people inhabit the online world, even if it is different to the ways in which adults use the same technology.

The best way to protect children online is through education and conversation with them.  Knowing that they can come to you or another trusted adult is the best way to keep them safe.

For general e-safety information and advice:

Has your child had a nude image or video of themselves posted on-line?

Get help to remove it: Report a Nude Image Online 

Online Radicalisation Information and Support

This is a difficult time for parents and carer and it is having a significant impact on families.  Children are likely to be spending more time online and whilst rare, there are negative influences and online groomers who use online platforms to share there extreme views and ideas.  Please click here to find out more information about the signs that someone may need help.

Useful links/articles:

Parental Controls - Are you in Control – On-line safety settings help to keep your child safe on-line? 

NSPCC Keeping Children Safe Online - Keep children safe on-line whenever – wherever they are.

Keeping Under 5's Safe Online - It’s never too early to start talking to your child about online safety.

Personal Safety Online - Are you sure you know who your kids are talking to online?

Cyber-Bullying - If your child is being bullied – Report Cyber-bullying.

Mobile Phone Safety Tips - Mobile Safety Tips – keep kids safe online.

Jessie and Friends - Think U Know - Online Safety Education for 4-7 year olds.

Play, Like, Share - Think U Know - Play Like Share, Keeping 8-10 year olds safe online.

All applications have a support, help and safety area e.g. www.facebook.com/safety to help with privacy settings, to block and report unwanted contacts.

Share Aware, from NSPCC and O2, gives parents all the tools they need to have regular and informed conversations with their child about staying safe online. Under 20% of parents discuss online safety regularly with their children but we want to get every family talking about their child’s life online, just as they would their day at school.

Visit the Share Aware webpages for more

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