#LookSusTellUs - for parents
Protecting your child online
There are things you can do to help protect your children from online exploitation:
- Check games content and features
- Remember to use privacy and parental controls
- Turn location settings off in mobile apps
- Make an agreement with your child about the amount of time they can spend online and stick to it
Signs to look out for
If you are a parent or carer the following might indicate that a child needs help:
- Talking about older/new friends they’ve met online
- Talking about gifts/money they’ve received online
- Becoming withdrawn and secretive
- Having a new phone or more than one phone
- Receiving a large number of calls or messages
- Worried about being away from their phone
These are only some of the possible signs and ways you can help. The Children’s Society offer more information on risks, staying safe and spotting the signs.
Where to get help and more information
CEOP Safety Centre (Child Exploitation and Online Protection)
Specialist team from the National Crime Agency where you can report online exploitation.
Includes advice for parents on setting up parental controls and on how to have a conversation about online safety with your child. It covers different kinds of online channels and the risks associated with each.
The NSPCC have also launched a new tool to remove nude images shared online.
A hugely useful site as it lists social media networks, apps and games and gives information on the risks associated with each one as well as top tips for staying safe (including privacy settings).
Help and advice for families in a digital world.
PACE (Parents Against Child Exploitation)
Offers support and advice to parents/carers whose children have experienced exploitation. They also offer a telephone support service.