Using the Internet Safely
Use the links below to find out how to avoid certain dangers associated with the Internet and so help maintain the Internet as a safe and fun learning resource.
Parents Centre: Making safe, effective use of the internet
The articles and links in this section can help you steer your child clear of internet dangers, while steering them towards helpful resources.
If you are a parent or carer, the Home Office has produced a leaflet to help you find out what you need to know to keep your children safe when they use the Internet.
In this section of the website, parents can access a number of resources including Childnet's parents seminar - a special interactive presentation for parents online, advice about filters and how to talk to your children about these issues.
The Internet is an increasingly important place to work, play and learn for both adults and children. At the same time, we are concerned about the risks we face online. The challenge is to stay 'one-click' ahead of would-be pornographers, hackers, child-predators and those who would misuse your and your child's sensitive information. GetNetWise can help.
Online safety for all children
The Hector's World Safety Button™ is a simple executable file which you can download here for free. The button is a child-activated safety tool which children can use if something on-screen upsets or worries them. The file installs a swimming Hector's World™ character in the upper right-hand corner of the computer screen. A child can just click on Hector (or one of his friends) who then covers the screen with a beautiful underwater scene and gives the child a positive written message for clicking on the character, while encouraging them to get adult help.
At Childnet we aim to empower parents to get involved with their children’s online activities, whatever their level of experience, in order to help their children reap the benefits of the Internet and avoid the dangers.