Parents can protect their children online by staying informed, using parental controls, and maintaining open communication about internet safety. By being proactive and involved, you can help ensure your child’s online experiences are positive and secure. This section shares some of the ways parents can safeguard their children online. To learn more visit Get Safe Online.
Gaming: Get Safe Online recommend monitoring the games your children play, set time limits, and use parental controls to restrict access to unsuitable games.
Cyberbullying: Encourage your child to talk to you if they experience bullying online. Teach them how to block and report abusive users.
Social Media: Ensure your child understands privacy settings and the dangers of sharing personal information. Regularly review their friend lists and posts.
Texting and Sexting: Educate your child about the risks and consequences of sharing explicit images or personal information.
Privacy and Identity Theft: Teach your child to avoid sharing personal details online. Use privacy settings to limit who can see their information.
Viruses and Malware: Ensure your child understands the importance of not downloading files or clicking on links from unknown sources.
Safe Use of Apps and Downloads: Teach your child to use trusted sources for apps and downloads.
Social Networking: Discuss the importance of online safety and respectful behaviour and encourage your child to tell you which sites they use.
Screen Time: Set boundaries for screen time and encourage offline activities to promote a healthy balance.
Where can I go for support?
The Police and Crime Commissioner funds organisations that provide support services for victims and witnesses in Derbyshire. These are free of charge and are available to anyone who lives in Derbyshire. For anti-social behaviour, these support services are provided by Derbyshire Victim Services.
Derbyshire Victim Services
If you have ever been the victim of anti-social behaviour, Derbyshire Victim Services can provide all the help and support you need. Their local team offers a friendly, free and confidential service to anyone living in Derbyshire. It doesn’t matter if you reported it to the Police or not they are here to help you with any practical advice and emotional support.
0800 612 6505
TEXT ‘DVS’ TO 82228
support@dvssupport.org
Below are a list of other organisations that may be able to provide advice and support:
Get Safe Online
The Get Safe Online website provides practical advice on how to protect yourself, your computers and mobiles device and your business against fraud, identity theft, viruses and other problems encountered online.
National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC)
NCSC support the most critical organisations in the UK, the wider public sector, industry, SMEs as well as the general public. NCSC provides advice to protect you and your family, and the technology you rely on.
https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/section/advice-guidance/you-your-family