Social Media and Online Safety

The internet is an important part of young people’s lives, supporting learning, friendships and interests. We encourage parents and carers to take an active interest in their child’s online activities and to have regular conversations about staying safe.

Age restrictions and suitability

Social media platforms, messaging apps and online games have age requirements and safety settings. Please check the provider’s current guidance before allowing your child to use a service, as requirements and features can change.

A platform’s minimum account age is different from its app-store content rating. Meeting the minimum age requirement does not mean that all content or features are suitable for your child. Parental permission does not override a platform’s minimum age requirement.

When deciding whether a service is appropriate, consider who can contact your child, what content they may see, whether their location is shared and whether purchases are available.

Supporting your child online

Parents and carers can help by:

Talking regularly about the apps, games and websites their child enjoys.
Agreeing clear boundaries around device use, including overnight use, sleep and schoolwork.
Reviewing privacy settings and parental controls together, including location sharing, messaging and purchases.
Encouraging their child to block and report inappropriate contact or content.
Reassuring their child that they can ask for help if something goes wrong, even if they feel embarrassed or have made a mistake.

A guide for parents and carers

The Children’s Commissioner’s guide, “What I wish my parents or carers knew…”, offers advice on managing children’s digital lives. It includes guidance on screen time, online concerns, artificial intelligence and starting conversations with teenagers.

Download the guide for parents and carers

Visit the Children’s Commissioner’s website for the guide and accompanying activity pack

Practical advice and safety settings

Internet Matters provides step-by-step guides to parental controls and privacy settings across devices, apps, games and home broadband. These settings are helpful, but should be used alongside regular conversations and parental involvement.

If you are concerned

Please contact the school and ask to speak to a member of the safeguarding team if you are worried about your child’s online experiences, including bullying, harmful content or inappropriate contact.

Concerns about online sexual abuse or grooming can also be reported directly to the CEOP Safety Centre. CEOP does not deal with routine reports of bullying, fake accounts or hacked accounts; these should be reported through the relevant platform, with support from school where appropriate.

If a child is in immediate danger, call 999.