Internet Safety During Lockdown

Online Safety

During this difficult time, we are spending more time indoors and more time on the internet.

It is important that you are staying safe and connected with your family, friends and loved ones so here are 5 quick tips to remind you how to keep safe.

  1. Check your security and privacy settings:
  • Adjust privacy and safety settings to increase security and control the personal data you share. Look for the ‘privacy and security’ or ‘settings’ on the app or website.
  • Review the security settings on your ‘smart’ devices. If your device is using a default or easily guessable password, change it.
  • Update your devices. Using the latest version of software and apps can immediately improve your security.
  1. Block unsuitable content:
  • It is important to understand the website or app you are using and how they do things – find out in their terms and conditions.
  • If you see harmful activity, report it to the site. Platforms often offer advice on how to do this but you can also seek support.
  • To prevent unwanted content from appearing, set filters on your home broadband and mobile networks.
  1. Check the facts:

Before you like, comment or share something online, use the SHARE checklist to make sure you’re not contributing to the spread of harmful content –

  • Source – make sure information comes from a trusted source.
  • Headline – always read beyond the headline.
  • Analyse – check the facts.
  • Retouched – does the image or video look as though it has been doctored?
  • Error – look out for bad grammar and spelling.
  1. Take a break:
  • It is easy to feel overwhelmed with information at this time. 24-hour news and constant social media updates can make you more worried.
  • It’s important to take a step back and think about how this is affecting you. If it is, try to limit the time you spend watching, reading, or listening to coverage of the outbreak. Check in at set times or a few times a day and talk to those around you about it.
  1. Be Kind:
    • During this difficult time, it is vitally important to make sure we are sticking together and being kind to one another. Make sure you check in with people to make sure they are okay and talk to others about your feelings and worries.

Useful websites

Organisation Link
BBC The BBC’s Own It app helps children stop and think before they press the ‘send’ button.
Childnet A tool kit to support parents and carers of any age child to start discussions about their online life, to set boundaries around online behaviour and technology use, and to find out where to get more help and support.
CTIRU You can report terrorist content they find online through the public referral tool. More information about what to report and what happens when you make a report.
Every Mind Matters Advice and simple tips on how to maintain your mental wellbeing if you need to stay at home during the coronavirus outbreak
Internet Matters StaySafeStayHome online resources and advice to support families.
Let’s Talk About It Support for parents and carers to keep children safe from online radicalisation.
LGfL Support for parents and carers to keep their children safe online, including 6 top tips to keep primary aged children safe online.
Net-aware Support for parents and carers from NSPCC, providing a guide to social networks, apps and games.
Parent Info Provides support and guidance for parents from leading experts and organisations.
Rise Above Public Health England’s Rise Above social marketing programme aims to help build resilience and support good mental health of young people aged 10-16.
Thinkuknow Provides advice from the National Crime Agency (NCA) to stay safe online. To help families manage during this time, the NCA has launched #OnlineSafetyAtHome, a set of fun, engaging activities based on Thinkuknow cartoons, films, games, and advice articles.
UK Council for Internet Safety Education for a Connect World. A framework to equip children and young people for digital life.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/covid-19-staying-safe-online