Helping Children Stay Safe Online This Summer
The summer holidays can be a wonderful time for children and young people to relax, socialise and enjoy their favourite online activities. However, with more free time and less routine, many children spend significantly longer online during the school break.
To help parents and carers navigate the online world with confidence, we are sharing a range of free resources from SKIPS Safety Net that provide practical advice on some of the most common online safety issues affecting children and young people today. These guides cover topics including social media, online gaming, privacy settings, online influencers, live streaming, fake news, sharing images and recognising the signs of online grooming.
Keeping Children Safe Online During Summer Holidays
When something goes wrong – Parents guide
What can parents do?
A positive and open approach is often the most effective way to keep children safe online. Consider:
- Having regular conversations about what your child is doing online.
- Showing an interest in the apps, games and platforms they use.
- Reviewing privacy and safety settings together.
- Encouraging children to tell you if something online makes them feel worried, uncomfortable or upset.
- Reminding them that they will not be in trouble for speaking up and seeking help.
If Something Goes Wrong Online
If your child experiences a problem online, try to stay calm and reassure them that they have done the right thing by telling you. The SKIPS Safety Net guidance recommends:
- Staying calm and listening.
- Keeping evidence such as screenshots, messages and profile links.
- Using official reporting routes where appropriate.
- Continuing supportive conversations at home and reviewing online safety settings together.
Further Support
Parents and carers can access the full range of SKIPS Safety Net online safety guides and resources by visiting the SKIPS Safety Net website. These resources provide practical advice to help families have informed conversations and build safer online habits throughout the summer holidays and beyond.
If you have concerns about a child’s safety online, seek support from relevant safeguarding agencies, within North Yorkshire go to Worried About a Child page, to find out how to contact our relevant partners. If a child is at immediate risk of harm, contact the police on 999.
Online safety is everyone’s responsibility, and regular conversations, trust and open communication remain some of the most effective ways to help children stay safe in the digital world.
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