This free online safety guide has tips for looking after children’s wellbeing when they’re online – including going tech free before bed, avoiding comparisons with others and pausing before they post.

National Online Safety advice - Sexting

What Parents Need to Know About Sexting

A free online safety guide on sexting.

Sexting involved sending, receiving or forwarding explicit messages, images, or video of a sexual nature. Although mobile phones are the most common vehicle for sexting, the term can also apply to sending sexually explicit messages through any digital media such as email, instant messaging, and/or social media sites. They can be set to or from a friend, boyfriend, girlfriend, or someone your child has met online. Sexting is often described as the new flirting for children, but it is illegal for anyone under the age of 18. Soe of the main platforms it occurs on are Snapchat, Tinder, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Instagram and Kik.

In the guide, you'll find tips on a number of potential risks such as online blackmail, bullying and breaking the law.

Internet Matters - what age can my child start social media networking?

USEFUL GUIDES FOR PARENTS & FAMILIES

The organisation, National Online Safety, has a mission to empower teachers, school staff, parents and carers with the knowledge they need to keep children safe online. This is achieved through providing resources, guidance and training for schools and families. They publish a guide each Wednesday that is viewed as one of the most trusted and reputable learning resources in the UK, providing expert advice on the latest platforms and online risks that parents and carers need to know about through a beautifully engaging and content rich design. These can be found on their Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn profiles using the hashtag #WakeUpWednesday. All of their previous guides can be found on their website and can be downloaded in either a JPEG or PDF format. A few of the more recent ones can be found below: