Information for all settings: New kids online safety website launched as part of government campaign

We need your help in keeping children safe online. We’re launching a new website on 16 February 2026 to support families and encourage regular conversations about what they’re seeing online, asking simple questions, like “who shared this” and “why?”. Based on parents’ main concerns and needs, it provides: ·         tips for parents’ conversations with their children ·         actions to support each stage of their child’s life ·         parental controls information We are also signposting to trusted resources from charities and third parties, where parents can access other forms of support (like speaking to an expert). The website will continue to grow and be developed this year, supporting the Online Safety Act and wider government aims.

 

 

In 2015 Internet Matters released research which showed how children were leaving their parents behind when it comes to knowledge and use of the internet.

It revealed the challenges that parents face in keeping up with what their children are doing online, with 48% believing their children know more about the internet than they do and 73% of children agreeing.

However, just a year later the research was repeated and showed that gap in tech-knowledge between parents and their children is narrowing.

It showed that parents had a greater understanding of the common social media platform that their children were using; parent had overtaken children uploading photos, videos and music online and the humble desktop computer was almost retired as 6 out of 10 parents turned to smartphones to go online.

Some interesting facts As of 2017

• More than half of the world's population now uses the internet
• It's only been 25 years since Tim-Berners-Lee made the World Wide Web available to the public
• 2.8 Billion people are actively using social media globally

 

So as parents, as scientists, mental health specialists, industry itself is playing catch up

One of the big issues is impact on identity

This is an outline of the key milestone where children may need guidance from parents and or teachers to help them make safe and smart choices online.

Other key life to think about include the following:

• When your child uses your device devices independently
• Watching TV on YouTube 
• Getting their first device
• Opening their first social media account
• Gaming online with others for the first time
• Live streaming on social media apps
• Using online dating apps (MYLOL, Yellow, Skout, Tinder, MeetMe)
• Opening their first mobile banking account

Please see below for useful links to aid in talking about online:

https://www.internetmatters.org/advice/0-5/

https://www.internetmatters.org/advice/6-10/

https://www.internetmatters.org/advice/11-13/

https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/talking-child-online-safety/

https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/parents/

https://www.childnet.com/parents-and-carers

 

Below are links to packs to work through with your children at home.

https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/parents/Support-tools/home-activity-worksheets/