Internet Safety – Guidance for Parents

General Guidance  

Childnet International has issued a CD-ROM for parents called ‘Know It All for Parents’.  It is a straight forward guide for parents about getting the most out of the internet and keeping children safe at the same time.  The KSCB has free copies of the CD-ROM. Copies can be obtained from the Kent Safeguarding Children Board Administrators.

The internet safety information is also available to view online.

For further internet safey resourses, please visit the KSCB Resources and Library page 

You can also read the KSCB Internet Safety fact card:

• KSCB Internet Safety fact card

 You can also watch our video:

Sexting

What does sexting mean? Sexting is when a young person takes an indecent image of themself and send this to their friends or boy/girlfriends via mobole phones.

The problem is that once taken and sent, the sender has lost control of these images and these images could end up anywhere. They could be seen by your child's future employers, their friends or even paedophiles.

By having in their possession, or distributing, indecent images of a person under 18 on to someone else - young people are not aware that they could be breaking the law as these offences under the Sexual Offences Aact 2003.

Why is this happening?

As mobile phones with cameras and internet access are readily available these days - and indeed, the increased use of Bluetooth technology - images can be shared easily and at a reduced cost between friends at school.

As well as this, young people will always look to push the boundaries at an age when they are more sexually active and socially aware.

What should  I do if I am concerned?

If you worried that your child may be receiving or even sending indecent images on their mobile phone, you should talk to them about the consequences of their actions. Make them aware that once the image has been sent, they have lost control of that image and anyone can potentially have a look at it.

You can look at www.thinkuknow.co.uk for more information and advice on some of the risks that your child could be taking and how to deal with this.

If you are concerned that someone is sending your child indecent images or is engaging with them inappropriately, you can report this by clicking on the CEOP REPORT button