Has your child got a new mobile phone, tablet or games console for Christmas this year?

If so, it is important to remember how to keep children safe when using these devices online.

For some children, owning a new device will be the first time they have access to the online world and unfortunately, exposing them to new risks that they need to be aware of.

Let us help you keep them safe by making sure security and privacy settings are changed to ensure they don’t get contacted by someone you don’t want to.

Don’t leave it to chance, make sure that if you have gifted a games console, tablet or mobile phone to any young person, have it set up to help prevent them from being contacted by someone you would really not want to be speaking to or communicating with your children.

You can find lots of information online in the Think You Know, Get Safe Online and NSPCC websites.

Try to be open with your children so that they know they can come to you if something has happened online that worries them or they’re upset with or if a stranger has tried to contact them or send them a friend request.

As a parent myself, I understand the concerns other parents may have around the dangers of the online world, and so I would advise them to take the time to check the parental controls on their children’s devices to ensure these are made secure and everyone has a safe and Happy New Year.

Keep your children safe now and in the future by making sure their devices are secure.

Please check out the links below for how to ensure your devices are as secure as possible.

Apple: https://www.apple.com/uk/privacy/control/

Microsoft: https://support.microsoft.com/.../stay-protected-with...

Google: https://safety.google/security/security-tips/

Samsung: https://www.samsung.com/uk/security/

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