At TCES National Online School, we believe in the importance of a collaborative effort between the school and parents and carers to ensure the safety and well-being of our pupils in the digital world. This webpage provides parents and carers with valuable information, resources, and guidelines to support your child to safely navigate the online world. 

Internet safety tips for parents and carers 

Engage in open communication: Initiate regular conversations with your young person about their online activities. Create a safe space for them to discuss any concerns or experiences they may have encountered whilst using the Internet. 

Educate yourself: Stay informed about the latest online trends, apps, and social media platforms that your young person may be using. Understanding their online world will help you to guide and support them effectively. 

Establish boundaries and rules: Set clear guidelines for your young person’s Internet use, such as time limits, appropriate content, and expectations for responsible behaviour online. Ensure they understand the consequences of not following these rules. 

Model positive online behaviour: Young people often learn by observing their parents and carers. Show them how to be responsible digital citizens by practicing safe and respectful online behaviour yourself. 

Encourage critical thinking: Teach your young person to question and evaluate the information they find online. Help them to develop critical thinking skills to identify trustworthy sources and distinguish between reliable and unreliable information (also known as fake news). 

Apply parental controls: Utilise parental control software or apps that allow you to monitor and manage your young person’s online activity. These tools can help filter content, set restrictions, and track their Internet usage. 

Reiterate privacy protection: Emphasise the importance of safeguarding personal information online. Teach your young person to be cautious when sharing details such as their full name, address, phone number, or school name on public platforms. 

Useful resources for parents and carers 

Childnet Offers a toolkit to support parents and carers of children of any age to start discussions about their online life, and to find out where to get more help and support. 

Commonsensemedia Provide independent reviews, age ratings, & other information about all types of media for young people and their parents. 

Government advice About protecting young people from specific online harms such as child sexual abuse, sexting, and cyberbullying. 

Internet Matters Provide age-specific online safety checklists, guides on how to set parental controls, and practical tips to help young people get the most out of their digital world. 

How Can I Help My Child? Marie Collins Foundation – Sexual Abuse Online.  

Act Early provides advice for parents and carers to keep young people safe from online radicalisation. 

London Grid for Learning Provides support for parents and carers to keep their children safe online, including tips to keep primary aged children safe online. 

Stopitnow Resource from The Lucy Faithfull Foundation can be used by parents and carers who are concerned about someone’s behaviour, including young people who may be displaying concerning sexual behaviour (not just about online). 

National Crime Agency/Thinkuknow Provides support for parents and carers to keep their young person safe online.

Parentzone Provides help for parents and carers on how to keep their young person safe online  

Talking to your child about online sexual harassment: A guide for parents – This is the Children’s Commissioner’s parental guide on talking to their young person about online sexual harassment  

CEOP – Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre guidance to parents to talk to their young person about online relationships 

Remember, by working together, we can create a safer online environment for our pupils. Stay involved, stay informed, and support your young person in developing healthy online habits.

You can also view TCES E-safety / Acceptable use / IT policy here 

If you are concerned about your young person’s online presence or Internet activity, please speak with the schools Designated Safeguarding Lead, Kirsten Roy.