Getting started with online safety
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Where to start
The most important thing you can do is talk to your children about what they do online. Here are some tips on where to start.
Be curious: Ask about their favourite things to do online and take an interest in what they do.
Be proactive: Use things like news stories or television storylines to talk to children about what they would do if a similar issue happened to one of their friends.
Be sensitive: Use your experiences to talk about the things that might go wrong. And make sure they know they can talk to you if they're upset about something they've seen online.
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Staying up to date
Technology changes so fast it can be hard to stay up to date. Watch this video for tips on how to keep on top of what your children are doing.
How to start the conversation
Work as a TEAM to help your kids stay safe online: Talk, Explore, Agree, Manage.
Talk to your child regularly about what they’re doing online and how to stay safe. Let them know they can come to you or another trusted adult if they’re feeling worried or upset by anything they have seen.
Explore your child’s online activities together. Understand why they like playing certain games and make sure they know what they can do to keep themselves safe.
Agree your own rules as a family when using social networks, apps and games. You can use our Family Agreement template to help you get started.
Manage your technology and use the settings available to keep your child safe. If you need support doing this, you can visit an O2 store or call the Advice Line on 0808 800 5002.
Tools and tips
There are lots of tools and support to help keep your kids safe online. Here is some advice on how they can help.
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The children pictured are models.
Last updated: 13/02/2025