Keeping Children Safe Online
The internet is an amazing place for learning, entertainment, and socialising but it also comes with risks, especially for children.
This guide explains the key dangers to be aware of and provides simple steps you can take to help keep children safe while using the internet at home or on holiday.
1. Understanding the Risks
Children may encounter risks online without realising it. These include:
Inappropriate content
Violence, adult content, gambling, extreme content, or anything unsuitable for their age.
Online strangers & grooming
People pretending to be someone else, attempting to build trust or manipulate children.
Cyberbullying
Messages, posts, or videos designed to embarrass, intimidate, or distress.
Scams & phishing
Fake links, “free gift” offers, or messages asking for personal details.
In-app purchases
Games and apps that let children buy items with real money.
Oversharing personal information
Names, addresses, school details, holiday locations, Wi-Fi passwords, photos, or videos.
2. Simple Steps to Help Protect Children Online
Use Parental Controls
Most devices and apps include built-in parental controls.
These allow you to:
- Restrict access to certain websites or apps
- Set time limits
- Block inappropriate content
- Monitor usage
Where to find controls:
- Android devices – Settings > Digital Wellbeing & Parental Controls
- iPhone/iPad – Settings > Screen Time
- PlayStation / Xbox / Nintendo Switch – Parental Controls under system settings
- Smart TVs & streaming apps – Profile/Account settings
Use Child-Friendly Profiles
Apps like Netflix, YouTube, BBC iPlayer and Disney+ offer Kids Profiles where content is filtered automatically.
This is one of the easiest and safest ways to limit what children see.
Teach Children About Online Safety
Encourage open conversations and set clear rules:
- Never share personal information online
- Never send photos or videos to strangers
- Never meet anyone in person they only know online
- Tell an adult if anything makes them uncomfortable
- Be kind online and report bullying
Children often feel more confident asking questions when internet rules are clear.
Use Safe Search Settings
Turn on “SafeSearch” on search engines and apps. This helps filter out inappropriate content.
Google SafeSearch
Settings > Search Settings > Turn on SafeSearch
YouTube Restricted Mode
Click profile icon > Settings > Restricted Mode > On
Be Careful With Social Media
Young children should not use social networks designed for adults.
For older children:
- Review privacy settings together
- Turn off location sharing
- Teach them not to accept friend requests from strangers
- Remind them that once posted, something can be difficult to remove
Manage Online Gaming Safely
Games often include chat features where children may interact with strangers.
To stay safe:
- Use parental controls to manage communication
- Block and report any inappropriate players
- Restrict game purchases
- Keep gaming devices in shared spaces when possible
Monitor Device Use
You don’t need to constantly check devices, but casual supervision especially for younger users helps keep them safe.
Simple ideas:
- Keep devices out of bedrooms at night
- Use shared family areas for online gaming
- Check which apps your child has installed
- Agree screen-time limits together
3. Public Wi-Fi & Holiday Park Safety
Whether at home or staying on a holiday park:
- Only use official Vfast guest Wi-Fi or the private network in your unit
- Avoid connecting to unknown or unbranded Wi-Fi networks
- Remind children never to enter personal details on unsecured pages
4. What to Do If Something Goes Wrong
If your child sees something worrying or is contacted by someone suspicious:
- Stay calm and encourage them to tell you
- Block and report the user or website
- Take screenshots if evidence is needed
- Change passwords if accounts may be compromised
- Contact the platform (YouTube, Instagram, PlayStation etc.)
- Seek help from organisations such as:
- CEOP (Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre)
- Childline
- NSPCC
If you believe your broadband or Wi-Fi has been compromised, contact our support team for guidance.
5. Useful Resources
- CEOP: www.ceop.police.uk
- NSPCC Online Safety: www.nspcc.org.uk/onlinesafety
- Childline: www.childline.org.uk
- UK Safer Internet Centre: www.saferinternet.org.uk
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