Help your child surf in safety.
NSPCC advice for parents and carers.

"The Internet is a fantastic place for kids to learn and explore, but as a parent you may be concerned about the risks they could encounter. The Internet safety guidelines below can help you protect your child's safety online.

Place the computer where the whole family can use it, rather than out of sight in a bedroom. Surf the Internet together. If your kids know more about it than you do, get them to give you some lessons!

Search out positive and fun sites. Many TV programmes and other children's media suggest good sites to visit, including their own.

Talk with your children to agree what kinds of sites they are allowed to visit. The best way to minimise the risk of unsuitable material is to agree what the limits are, and for you to check that these are not exceeded.

Tell your kids not to give out their personal details to anyone over the net, including their name, address, telephone number or school. Use of an online nickname can help here, as long as they don't pretend to be a completely different person, which can create its own problems. Make sure they don't accept gifts (electronic or otherwise) from strangers, or arrange meetings with new friends without you going with them, and without it being in a public place.

Make sure your children are as cautious of strangers on line as they would be in the world outside. Chat sites are the main way to meet people online and can be lots of fun. But they can also be open to misuse. If they see or receive any obscene, abusive or threatening messages, they shouldn't respond, they should let you know, and you should consider letting your Internet Service Provider, the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) or the NSPCC - netsafety@nspcc.org.uk - know. Some chat rooms are moderated, which means messages get screened to some extent. But remember this is not an absolute guarantee. You and your child still need to be careful.

Software such as Cyber Patrol is available to screen out some inappropriate sites. This reduces the risk of your child coming across something harmful. But filters aren't foolproof - sites and users can get round them - so do stay involved.

Make sure your children know that they should tell you if they come across anything bad. If you or your child comes across material that is illegal or harmful be prepared to report it, to your Internet Service Provider, the IWF or the NSPCC - netsafety@nspcc.org.uk. (Remember, though, that the IWF can't do anything about material that is offensive, only what is dangerous or against the law.)

Limit the time your children spend online - not only does this keep the expense down, it also stops the Internet taking over their lives. And make sure you encourage them to develop other interests. The Internet can help with this - try looking for sites about their hobbies, sports or favourite things."

These guidelines are reproduced with the kind permission of the NSPCC.