Keep Children Safe Online

Practical parental controls, device settings and family rules — a step-by-step guide for UK parents and carers.

1. Set up parental controls (start here)

Every major platform and device has free parental controls. Set them up before handing over a new device:

2. Lock down the risky apps

Predators gravitate to apps where strangers can message children directly. For any app your child uses:

• Set the account to private — no public profiles, no public posts.
• Turn off location sharing on photos and check-ins.
• Disable direct messages from strangers (each app has a setting for this).
• Check who can find and add your child — restrict to friends/contacts only.
• For under-13s, most platforms (including TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, WhatsApp) require a minimum age — enforce it.

3. Talk about it — the "keep talking" approach

Children who are afraid of being punished hide problems. Build trust instead:

• Ask open questions: "Who did you talk to today?" not "Were you safe today?"
• Agree family rules together (screen times, shared spaces, no secret accounts).
• Teach them: anyone asking for secrets, private photos, or to keep a "special friendship" hidden is a danger — and it's never their fault.
• Reassure: "If anything ever feels weird or scary online, you can always tell me and I won't be angry."
• Role-play a few scenarios: what to do if a stranger asks for a photo, offers money or gifts, or asks to meet.

4. Watch for warning signs

💙 You are not alone

Worried about something you've seen? Report it — even a suspicion is worth reporting.