Online Safety: Practical Tips for Parents Ahead of Safer Internet Day
As Safer Internet Day approaches on 10 February, it’s a good moment for parents and carers to revisit how you support your child's online activity. The digital world continues to change rapidly, with new apps, features, and AI tools emerging long before they reach the headlines. While this can feel daunting, there are simple, realistic things that every family can do to help children stay safe online.
Within the below blog, there is details of a FREE online webinar for parents/guardians on how to support your child to be safe while online. See the flyer attached at the bottom for full details.
Top Online Safety Tips for Parents & Carers:
1. Stay curious about what your child does online
Rather than focusing on restrictions, aim for regular, open conversations. Ask what apps they use, what they enjoy doing, who they interact with, and what they find challenging. This builds trust and makes it easier for them to approach you if something goes wrong.
2. Keep up with the basics of popular apps
You don't need to master every platform, but understanding the general purpose of an app—and any built‑in safety features—helps you set clear expectations at home. It also supports more meaningful conversations about risks, privacy and behaviour.
3. Encourage critical thinking, especially with new technologies
Children and young people are increasingly exposed to AI‑generated content, edited images, and misinformation. Helping them question the source, purpose and accuracy of what they see is one of the most effective protective factors. The upcoming parent webinar includes specific guidance on supporting children with AI‑related risks.
4. Set boundaries that work for your family
Agree together on things such as device‑free times, where devices are used at home, and how privacy settings should be managed. Consistency, rather than strictness, is usually what helps children understand expectations.
5. Use parental controls and reporting tools where appropriate
Most major platforms offer privacy settings, age‑appropriate filters and easy reporting mechanisms. These tools are helpful, but they work best alongside ongoing conversations rather than as a replacement for them.
6. Model good digital habits
Children notice adult behaviour. Demonstrating balanced screen use, pausing before posting, and being mindful of privacy helps reinforce the same attitudes in young people.
7. Speak to the school
We want to support our students too, and the best way to do this is with open and honest lines of communication. If you have a concern about the way your child (or any BHCS student) is behaving online, please contact the safeguarding team at safeguarding@bhcs.sfet.org.uk
Additional Support: Free Parent & Carer Webinar (10th February, 7–8pm)
As part of the wider support available this Safer Internet Day, EduThing and ScreenSafe are offering a free online safety webinar for parents and carers.
The session, hosted by online‑safety specialist Anna Sarjantson from ScreenSafe, alongside the EduThing Professional Learning Team, will cover:
- How to support young people with the risks and opportunities linked to Artificial Intelligence
- Practical tips and strategies for safer online habits at home
- Current apps and features to be aware of as a parent
- Resources to help you start conversations with children and teenagers about online safety
- A live Q&A to ask your own questions
Register your attendance here!
Keeping young people safe online is not about knowing every emerging trend - it’s about staying engaged, staying informed and creating an environment where children feel able to talk openly. As Safer Internet Day approaches, it’s a good opportunity to revisit these conversations and make small adjustments that have a big impact.