Safer internet browsing

Helping Your Child Browse Safely

The internet can help children learn, communicate and enjoy their interests. A few simple checks can help make browsing safer.

Five Simple Things You Can Do

1. Turn On Safety Controls

Use parental controls on your home Wi-Fi, your child’s device, browser and individual apps.

2. Check What They Use

Ask your child to show you the websites, apps, videos and games they enjoy using.

3. Talk Regularly

Make online safety part of normal family conversations, not something discussed only when a problem happens.

4. Protect Personal Information

Explain why addresses, school details, passwords and live locations should not be shared publicly.

5. Make It Easy to Ask for Help

Reassure your child that they can tell you if something online worries, confuses or upsets them.

Set Up Safer Searching

  • Turn on SafeSearch in the search engines your child uses.
  • Use a supervised or child account where one is available.
  • Turn on Restricted Mode or child settings for video services.
  • Block pop-ups and unexpected website notifications.
  • Keep browsers, devices and apps updated.
  • Check the settings again after updates or when your child starts using a new service.

Find Step-by-Step Safety Guides

Start a Simple Conversation

You could ask:

  • What do you enjoy doing online?
  • Can you show me your favourite website, app or game?
  • Who can contact you?
  • Do you know how to block or report someone?
  • What would you do if something online worried you?
  • Can we check your safety settings together?

Try to stay calm and curious. Children are more likely to ask for help when they know they will be listened to.

Using AI Safely

Children may use AI tools for questions, images, homework or entertainment. Help your child understand that AI responses may not always be accurate, appropriate or trustworthy.

Encourage your child to:

  • Check important answers with another trusted source.
  • Ask an adult if a response is confusing or upsetting.
  • Never enter passwords, addresses, school details or private family information.
  • Be careful when uploading photographs, documents or recordings.
  • Tell an adult if an AI tool produces unexpected or worrying content.

LGfL ParentSafe and AI Guidance

Has Something Happened Online?

Stay calm, listen and reassure your child that asking for help was the right thing to do.

  1. Check that your child is safe.
  2. Ask them to explain what happened.
  3. Do not blame or punish them for telling you.
  4. Use the website or app’s block and report tools.
  5. Contact the school if the concern affects school or involves another pupil.
  6. Seek safeguarding or police help where necessary.

If a child is in immediate danger, call 999.

Report an Online Safety Concern to CEOP Find the Right Place to Report

Trusted Help for Parents and Carers

You do not need to be an online-safety expert. These organisations provide straightforward guidance for families.

LGfL ParentSafe

Parent guidance about online safety, controls, apps, conversations, AI and reporting.

Visit LGfL ParentSafe ›

UK Safer Internet Centre

Parent advice about devices, online issues, conversations and reporting.

Visit the Parent and Carer Hub ›

Internet Matters

Step-by-step guides for parental controls, devices, apps, games and online services.

Visit Internet Matters ›

NSPCC Online Safety

Guidance about online safety, family conversations, parental controls and reporting concerns.

Visit NSPCC Online Safety ›

Controls Help, but Conversations Matter Too

Check settings regularly and remind your child that they can always speak to a trusted adult when something happens online.