Help & advice for all teachers and professionals parents and carers 4–11 year olds 11–18 year olds

Young people with SEND might be more trusting and believe the things someone tells or asks them to do online, especially if they have become close to their online friend.

Personal information includes any identifying detail about someone, such as: Full name, home address, school name and location, phone number, passwords, age/DOB, location of somewhere where they like to visit.

Online gaming allows players to play against each other and chat publicly or privately, in the form of a private message.

Most social media sites are not designed to be used by children under the age of 13.

There are lots of social media sites available to young people aged 13 or over which are a great way to connect with friends and share content, such as videos and photos. If your child is already engaging with social media the chances are that their online circle of friends may be broader than their offline circle of friends.

Whether your child is verbal or non-verbal, the moment your child expresses and interest in the internet, is the time to talk about, discuss or show ways in which they can stay safe online.

Let your child know that they can always come to you if anyone upsets them online, and provide immediate reassurance that they have done the right thing by telling you.

Education is the best tool that a child can have.

Whilst social media provides a fantastic platform for entertainment, communication and learning, it is not possible to control what other people choose to share, and sometimes upsetting content (posts, comments, photos and videos etc.) may be seen.

If your child is engaging with social media, the reality is that their online circle of friends may be broader than their offline circle of friends, which can make it more difficult to monitor with whom, and how, they are communicating online. Being kind and respectful online is something everyone should try and do.