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  1. How We Can Help
  2. I am a parent or carer
  3. Technology

Technology

Trying to keep children safe while allowing them to develop their independence is a difficult balance to achieve and one that most parents and carers find challenging. With technology the risks can appear more complex and it is not always clear what to do if there are concerns regarding a particular app or website. Concerns should never be ignored and there are a number of ways in ways you can seek advice, guidance, or help.

If you feel your child is in immediate danger you should call 999.

Talking to your child

Talking to your child will enable you to explore your concerns with your child. Finding the right time or the best way to approach this can be difficult and further advice about talking to your child can be found here (Link to MCF Resource).

Your child may be worried about your reaction or the removal of devices as a punishment. The blame is with the person who has harmed your child and if the child is fearful of repercussions to them, they may minimise or pretend that everything is fine.

Talking to your child
Checking devices

Checking devices

Checking a device would enable you to see who has been communicating with your child and may uncover additional information such as what times and in some cases, what they have talked about. However, you should be cautious if you intend to check your child’s device, as they may have been coerced into sending personal or intimate images of themselves. If your child knows you have seen these very personal images it may result in your child feeling their privacy has been invaded, leading to a lack of trust and feelings of shame that you have seen them naked or involved in some form of sexual activity.

Seeking professional help

If someone is harming your child, this should be reported to a professional. Your level of concerns will influence who you contact. If for example another child at school is being rude online and you can see it is inappropriate behaviour, then a conversation with the school would be appropriate. However, if someone is threatening, using coercion or grooming your child then you would pursue a conversation with the police on 101 (or 999 if your child is in immediate danger).

If you are not clear what the level of concerns are, despite conversations with your child, you can always talk to your child’s teacher or your local children’s social care and discuss the issue with them and/or ask if there are any programmes running relating to protective behaviour classes or online safety.

Seeking professional help
Reducing further harm

Reducing further harm

Regardless of what action is taken regarding your concerns, you may want to review your current safety measures by revising any parental controls you may have. Websites such as Internet Matters (https://www.internetmatters.org/) show clearly how to implement parental controls for specific devices and internet providers.

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