As it’s still a relatively new phenomenon, we don’t yet know the full extent of the internet’s potential as both a positive and negative influence on our lives. This means there is little conventional wisdom to rely on when it comes to keeping children safe online.

In this video, Gary Lineker shares advice from NHS mental health professionals on what parents can do to protect young people from online threats.

How to protect my child on the internet

Be aware of online threats

As a society, we are relying more and more on the internet to communicate. Although it has many benefits, it also has many disadvantages. As well as thinking about how long young people are spending online, parents also need to be aware of what they’re up to.

Some of the threats that young people may encounter online

  • Online bullying, also known as Cyberbullying or Cyberharassment, has become increasingly common and can take place via social media, online or phone messaging, or gaming platforms.
  • As teenagers begin to learn about and explore relationships and sexuality, they may experience coercion to take part in sexting, which involves making, sending, or receiving sexually explicit messages, photos, or videos. Material sent privately can be shared more widely or even become viral.
  • There are many controversial issues surrounding internet pornography, from its role in organised crime and exploitation to its impact on mental health. For young people, it can set unrealistic expectations regarding their relationships and make them feel insecure about their own body image. Recent studies also suggest a strong link between pornography and sexual dysfunction.
  • Paedophiles and other predators use internet, messaging, and social media platforms for online grooming, where they build trust over time, often resulting in young people being exploited.
  • Social media can give young people an unrealistic impression of how they should look, leading to negative body image and low self-esteem, which can spiral into pro-anorexia or pro-bulimia content. It’s also where many express themselves in ways that might jeopardise their online reputation and future career prospects.
  • Some online content offers support to young people in emotional distress, but hoaxes, challenges, and content glorifying self-harm or suicidal behaviours can put vulnerable teens at risk.
  • The internet has fuelled the spread of fake news, misinformation, and even propaganda contributing to radicalisation.
  • Some online games are designed to encourage gambling behaviour from an early age.
  • As well as threats to physical and mental wellbeing, the internet is the main platform for financial crime, with criminals committing fraud, blackmail, extortion, and identity theft.

Help them to protect themselves

As well as being aware of the dangers, it’s important that children are too. Taking as many steps as possible to minimise online risks is crucial.

Steps you can take to reduce online threats

  • Establish and maintain an open and honest dialogue about online and video gaming activity from an early age to stop it becoming a taboo subject and to avoid secretive behaviour later on.
  • Take an interest in their activity while maintaining trust. Teenagers need to become independent, but it’s important they understand the dangers of compromising their safety or reputation by sharing personal information or images online.
  • Help them understand how social media filters reality. The more comfortable they feel with who they are, the less likely they’ll compare themselves negatively or be influenced by what they see online.
  • Show them how to report offensive content or messages and block people who upset them.
  • Help them protect their identity and location by changing privacy settings on devices and social media platforms.
  • Contact your internet service provider about filters to control content accessed through WiFi. Note that these won’t affect content accessed through 4G or 5G on smartphones.
  • Use parental control settings on consoles, mobiles, tablets, and computers to restrict or filter access, disallow in-game or in-app purchases, and limit screen time.
  • If concerned, consider moving the console or computer into a more public space in the home until boundaries are respected.

Look for the signs

The more you engage with your child and stay aware of their behaviour, the easier it will be to understand what they’re up to and who they’re communicating with. Above all, trust your instincts.

Red flags that might suggest something’s wrong

  • Becoming more secretive or dishonest about what they’re doing.
  • Changes in mood, behaviour, or language suggesting a negative influence.

What to do if you’re worried about their online activity

  • Tell them what you’ve noticed and ask how they’re doing.
  • Let them know you’re there to support them and want to help.
  • If they won’t talk or try to hide the truth, trust your instincts. If unsure, sense-check it with peers or contact the police if you’re really worried.

Some additional resources that may help

  Download a printable version of this advice