Staffordshire Police

The internet can be a great tool for children and young people, however it is important to remember that there may also be hidden dangers.

• Check out what child protection services your internet service provider offers - do they filter for SPAM, for example?
• Keep the computer in a communal area of the house, where it is easy to monitor what your children are viewing.
• Computer kit is expensive, so bear in mind that a child with a laptop may be vulnerable when carrying it to and from school.
• It's not a good idea for your child to open files from people they don't know as it may contain a virus or inappropriate material. If your child receives SPAM or junk emails, remind them to never believe them, reply to them or use them.
• Encourage your children to tell you if they feel uncomfortable, upset threatened by anything they see online.
• Personal details such as your child's name, age and location should never be on view to the general public.
• There are plenty of chatrooms and online communities which are designed for parents so you can get advice from other mums, dad and carers easily.

For more information about keeping your children safe online visit the Think U Know (Opens in new window) website, or for more general information about online safety visit Get Safe Online (Opens in new window).