Online Safety for Parents & Carers

Helping young people stay safe, responsible and confident online.

At Rivers Education Support Centre, we recognise the important role technology plays in young people's lives. While the internet offers fantastic opportunities for learning, communication and creativity, it can also present risks. Working together, schools and families can help young people stay safe and make positive choices online.

⚡ Quick Guide for Busy Parents

🗣 Talk

Have regular conversations about apps, games and online activities.

📋 Set Rules

Agree sensible expectations around screen time and online behaviour.

🔒 Protect

Use parental controls, privacy settings and security features.

🚩 Report

Encourage children to report anything that makes them uncomfortable.

⚠ Signs Your Child May Need Support

Becoming secretive about online activity
Appearing upset after using their device
Suddenly avoiding favourite apps or games
Withdrawing from friends or family
Receiving messages from unknown individuals
Changes in behaviour, mood or confidence

🌐 Common Online Safety Risks

📱 Social Media

Cyberbullying
Online pressure
Inappropriate content
Privacy concerns

🎮 Gaming

Contact from strangers
Voice chat risks
In-game spending
Age-inappropriate content

🤖 Artificial Intelligence

Deepfakes
Fake information
Online impersonation
Manipulated images and videos

✅ Top Tips for Families

Keep communication open and positive.
Take an interest in the apps and games your child uses.
Review privacy settings together.
Create device-free family times.
Teach children never to share passwords.
Encourage critical thinking when viewing content online.
Discuss scams, fake profiles and misinformation.

🤖 AI, Deepfakes & Online Impersonation

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is now common across social media, apps and websites. Young people should understand that not everything they see online is real.