Online Safety

Our children use the internet much more than previous generations and the safe use of the internet brings many challenges for parents and schools. Current advice for parents and carers from Dorset Police Safer Schools and Communities Team (SSCT) is available for download at the bottom of this page and covers a range of topics.

The following links are also a useful starting place for specific issues.:

1. 1. Do you have questions about online safety? Look at the NSPCC website or contact the NSPCC phone helpline on 0808 8005002.
   2. Did you know you can set up age appropriate parental controls on your home broadband? Find out more.
   3. Ensure your children are using appropriate websites, apps and gamers using age ratings and review sites such as Common Sense Media or for games PEGI game rating or Ask about games
   4. Do you need advice about the latest threats to children online and how to support your child if they encounter them? Find out more from ThinkUKnow
   5. What should you do if your child sees something upsetting online? Follow the advice on UK Safer Internet Centre blog.
   6. How many hours a day do you think is acceptable for your child to be on devices? Find out more from Childnet
   7. How well do your young people know their contacts on their social networking sites, games or their media? Keep talking to them about who they communicate with … Not sure where to begin – Check out these conversation starter tips from Childnet
   8. E-safety advice produced by Dorset Police Safe Schools & Communities Team.
   9. Looking for good online safety information for your 9 to 12-year old? Try the BBC #OwnIt website or app for lots of different articles, videos and ideas to help your child navigate the online space safely
   10. Does your child need advice and support after being bullied online? Look at Childline
   11. Do you have a child using TikTok? This app can be fun, but there are risks. Find out more in the parent guide from ParentZone
   12. The excellent Vodafone Digital Parenting site is well worth a visit for current information and advice.