Keeping Children and Young People Safe Online
A Guide for Parents and Carers
At EST Education CIC, we believe that keeping children safe online is just as important as keeping them safe in the real world.
Social media, gaming, messaging apps and artificial intelligence (AI) are now part of everyday life for many young people. While technology offers fantastic opportunities for learning, creativity and friendships, it can also expose children to risks.
We understand that navigating the online world can feel overwhelming for parents and carers, particularly as technology continues to change.
Our aim is to help families feel informed, confident and supported in keeping their children safe.
Social Media and Screen Time
Social media can help young people connect with friends, express themselves and explore their interests. However, excessive screen time and unhealthy online experiences can affect sleep, emotional wellbeing, confidence and relationships.
How parents can help:
Agree on reasonable screen time boundaries together, taking account of your child's age and individual needs.
Encourage regular breaks, physical activity and offline hobbies.
Keep phones and devices away from bedrooms at bedtime where possible.
Check privacy settings and ensure accounts are age-appropriate.
Talk openly about what your child watches, who they follow and who they communicate with.
Encourage young people to question unrealistic images, lifestyles and information they see online.
Remember: It's not just how long children spend online that matters, but what they are doing, who they are interacting with and how it makes them feel.
Online Grooming and Exploitation
Online grooming happens when someone builds a relationship with a child to manipulate, exploit or abuse them.
Groomers may pretend to be another young person, offer compliments, gifts or emotional support, or encourage children to keep conversations secret.
Grooming can take place through social media, online games, messaging platforms and other digital spaces.
Warning signs may include:
Becoming secretive about online conversations.
Receiving unexplained gifts or money.
Suddenly becoming anxious, withdrawn or distressed.
Communicating with unknown people or moving conversations onto private messaging apps.
Being pressured to share photographs, personal information or their location.
What parents can do:
Reassure children that they can tell you anything without fear of punishment.
Explain that people online are not always who they claim to be.
Encourage children never to share intimate images or personal information with strangers.
Teach children to recognise manipulation, threats and requests for secrecy.
Report suspected grooming to the police or CEOP.
Artificial Intelligence (AI): New Risks for Young People
AI is increasingly used in social media, chatbots, games and online communication.
Although AI can support learning and creativity, parents should be aware of emerging safeguarding concerns.
AI-generated fake images and videos
AI can create convincing fake photographs, videos and voices. These can be used to impersonate others, spread misinformation, humiliate young people or create sexually explicit fake images.
AI chatbots and emotional relationships
Some AI chatbots are designed to feel friendly, supportive or even romantic. Young people may become emotionally attached to these systems or share personal information without understanding how it might be used.
AI-assisted grooming and scams
Offenders can use AI to create realistic fake profiles, generate persuasive messages or impersonate trusted people, making online manipulation harder to recognise.
How parents can help:
Explain that AI-generated content is not always real or trustworthy.
Encourage children to question unexpected messages, images and videos.
Remind young people that AI chatbots are not human friends, counsellors or trusted adults.
Discuss the risks of sharing personal information, photographs and private feelings with AI services.
Check the age restrictions and safety settings of AI apps.
Encourage children to tell a trusted adult if anything online makes them uncomfortable.
Cyberbullying and Online Harassment
Cyberbullying can happen through group chats, social media, online games and messaging apps.
It may include hurtful messages, threats, exclusion, rumours, sharing private information or creating embarrassing images.
Unlike bullying in person, cyberbullying can follow young people into their homes and continue throughout the day and night.
Signs to look out for:
Becoming upset after using a phone or computer.
Avoiding school, friends or social activities.
Changes in mood, confidence or sleep.
Suddenly refusing to use devices or becoming unusually protective of them.
If your child is being bullied online:
Stay calm and listen without judgement.
Reassure them that they have done the right thing by telling you.
Save evidence, including screenshots and messages, where appropriate.
Block and report abusive accounts.
Inform your child's school or education provider where relevant.
Contact the police if there are threats, sexual exploitation or immediate safety concerns.
Creating a Safe Space for Conversations
One of the most effective ways to protect children online is to build a relationship where they feel safe asking for help.
Children may hide online experiences because they worry about getting into trouble, being judged or having their devices taken away.
Try saying:
"If anything happens online that worries, upsets or frightens you, you can always tell me. We will work through it together."
Regular, relaxed conversations are often more effective than waiting until something goes wrong.
Where to Find Help and Support
NSPCC: Advice for parents about online safety, grooming and protecting children — www.nspcc.org.uk
CEOP Safety Centre: Report concerns about online grooming and sexual exploitation — www.ceop.police.uk
Childline: Free, confidential support for children and young people — 0800 1111 or www.childline.org.uk
Internet Matters: Practical advice on screen time, parental controls, social media and AI — www.internetmatters.org
UK Safer Internet Centre: Online safety resources and guidance — www.saferinternet.org.uk
If a child is in immediate danger, call 999.