Make sure internet filters are turned on for the home broadband and on individual devices (phones/tablets/computers). Many routers and ISPs provide tools for blocking inappropriate content. Try to use age-appropriate settings on apps and devices. Sandwell Council+2sandwellcsp.org.uk+2
Set screen time limits and routines
Decide together with your child how much time they spend online each day and where (e.g. no devices at bedtime or during meals). Consistency helps. Sandwell Council+2learnsafl.ac.uk+2
Keep devices in shared or common areas
Locating devices (PCs, tablets) in family rooms rather than bedrooms helps you know what’s going on and makes supervision easier.
Stay informed about apps, games and websites your child uses
What’s popular changes fast. Make sure apps are suitable for their age, check reviews, see what features they have (chat, location sharing, in-app purchases). Sandwell Council+2sandwellfamilyhubs.com+2
Talk openly with your child
Communication is key. Encourage them to tell you if they see or hear something online that upsets them or scares them. Be approachable, non-judgemental. Talk about what is / isn’t okay to share (photos, personal info). Sandwell Council+1
Agree rules & boundaries together
It helps to co-create rules with your child: times when they can go online, what they can do, what they can download, etc. This empowers them and makes rules more likely to be followed. Sandwell Council+2learnsafl.ac.uk+2
Teach them about privacy and safety
Don’t share personal details (full name, address, school, phone number) with people they don’t know.
Keep accounts/private settings turned on. Location sharing should be off unless needed and understood.
Be cautious about “friends” online—even people who seem friendly may not be who they say they are.
Prepare for what to do if something goes wrong
Let children know who they can talk to (a parent, teacher, trusted adult) if they're upset. Teach them how to block/report inappropriate content or contacts. Know how to use tools like CEOP (Child Exploitation & Online Protection) if needed. sandwellcsp.org.uk+2Sandwell Council+2
What children should be taught (at a level appropriate to primary age)
What is personal information and why it should be kept private.
That not everyone online is who they claim to be.
Basic rules around downloading or opening files/images from strangers.
What cyberbullying is, that it’s wrong, and they should tell someone if they are bullied or see bullying.
Staying safe with passwords: choosing them carefully and not sharing them except with parents.
Importance of balancing screen time and doing other offline things (play, reading, etc.).
Local Sandwell-specific supports & guidance
Sandwell Elective Home Education – Online Safety for Parents: the council provides guidance and tips for safeguarding children online. Sandwell Council
Sandwell Internet Safety / CSP: provides info about what’s good, what’s not, reporting tools (e.g. CEOP). sandwellcsp.org.uk
Sandwell Family Hubs: they have a section for parent support including online safety resources. sandwellfamilyhubs.com
Sandwell Adult & Family Learning Service: offers an E-Safety Hub with resources for parents of older primary children (upper Key Stage 2). learnsafl.ac.uk
