Mobile and internet safety for children

Mobile phones and the internet are a big part of everyday life. They help young people learn, socialise and stay connected. They also bring risks. This guide explains what to look out for and how you can help your child stay safe online and on their phone.

Keep your child’s number and images safe

Phone numbers and photos can be shared quickly and widely. Once something is sent, it can be impossible to control where it goes. Talk to your child about only sharing their number and pictures with people they know and trust.

What grooming is and how it happens

Grooming is when an adult builds a child’s trust in order to harm or abuse them. It is a criminal offence. Someone who grooms a child may:

• pretend to be a young person
• contact them through a mobile phone or online chat
• ask personal questions
• try to arrange a meeting
• claim to care for or love the child
• intend to have sexual contact

Grooming can happen to any child, and most abuse is carried out by someone known to the family.

How you can help keep your child safe

• remind your child never to meet someone they only know online. If they do arrange to meet, make sure it is in a public place and that they are with a trusted adult or friend
• ask your internet provider about parental controls
• spend time online with your child and talk about what they enjoy
• keep shared devices in a family space
• take an interest in their hobbies and friends so you can agree clear, realistic rules together
• know who your child is chatting with
• be aware if they are using a webcam
• make sure everyone in your home knows not to share personal or financial details
• explain that people online are not always who they say they are
• let your child know they can always come to you if something worries them

For more online safety advice, visit internetmatters.org