How to protect our children from inappropriate internet

Thirty years ago, children were taught never to accept sweets from strangers, but the equivalent modern message, about staying safe online, doesn't seem to be getting through. For all its positives, the online world is full of potential hazards to young people. Sexting, bullying and sexual approaches from strangers are online dangers modern teenagers routinely face. And adults' knowledge of what young people are doing online is often vague and complacent.

Some parents feel their only recourse is to restrict internet access, but James Diamond, of parenting and technology website Quib.ly, says, "A big reason that children don't tell parents about abuse is that the default reaction of parents is to take the internet away from them". Internet safety needs to be taught, with specific ground rules and open communication between generations.

Encourage your child to come to you or another trusted adult if he or she encounters inappropriate material. Install blocking, filtering and monitoring software in order to block pop-ups, restrict access to sites with adult content and see which sites your children visit. To find out more, visit: https://www.socialmediaexplorer.com/content-sections/tools-and-tips/4-apps-to-help-keep-your-children-safe-online/.

Ms Annie Williams, College Counsellor