The Gateway School
E-Safety & Supporting Young People Online
For many young people, the internet can feel like a safe and comforting space where they have control and can connect with others who share their interests.
It offers opportunities for learning, creativity, and social interaction. However, while the internet—especially social media—can be a valuable resource, it can also present challenges. The unwritten rules and social expectations online can be particularly difficult for neurodivergent young people to understand and navigate.
That’s why it’s important for parents and schools to work together to support all young people in developing safe and positive online habits.
Understanding Online Risks
While the internet offers many benefits, it’s important to be aware of the potential dangers—especially on social media, such as:
- Cyberbullying – hurtful or threatening messages and behaviour online
- Privacy concerns – sharing personal information without understanding the risks
- Identity theft – others pretending to be them or stealing their information
- Inappropriate content – exposure to offensive or harmful images and messages
- Misinformation – encountering false or misleading news and posts
These experiences can be particularly upsetting for young people, especially if they’re not prepared for them. That’s why it’s vital to have open conversations at home and in school about staying safe online.
How do I start the conversation and what do I need to know?
Starting the Conversation About Online Safety
Whether your child is verbal or non-verbal, showing an interest in the internet is a great opportunity to begin talking about online safety. Helping them understand how to stay safe online is just as important as teaching them how to stay safe in the real world.
Here are a few tips to support that conversation:
- Choose the right moment – Find a quiet time and space where you won’t be interrupted, so your child can focus and feel comfortable.
- Talk about boundaries – Everyone has the right to feel safe and enjoy their time online. It’s important to understand what respectful behaviour looks like—both their own and that of others.
- Start early – The sooner you begin these conversations, the easier it will be for your child to come to you with any concerns or questions in the future.
By building trust and keeping communication open, you can help your child develop the confidence to explore the online world safely.
Get Involved in Your Child’s Online World
One of the best ways to support your child’s online safety is by showing an interest in what they enjoy doing online. Ask them to share their favourite games, videos, or websites with you—it’s a great way to start a conversation and understand their digital world.
If possible, join in! Watching or playing alongside your child helps you see exactly what they experience. For example, if they want to sign up for a website, consider creating your own account first. This allows you to explore how it works, check the privacy settings, and feel more confident in guiding them.
Keep in mind that most websites and apps have age restrictions for a reason—these are in place to help protect children from content or interactions that may not be suitable.
For reliable reviews and advice on age-appropriate websites, apps, and games, Common Sense Media is a helpful resource for families.
Using Parental Controls to Support Online Safety
Setting up parental controls and filters on your home internet is a simple but powerful way to help protect your child from seeing inappropriate images, videos, or websites while they’re online.
Most devices—including phones, tablets, and gaming consoles—have built-in parental control settings.
These can help you:
- Block unsuitable content
- Limit in-app purchases to avoid unexpected costs
- Turn off location sharing to protect your child’s privacy
Taking time to explore these settings can give you peace of mind and help your child enjoy a safer online experience.
For step-by-step guidance on setting up controls across different apps and devices, Internet Matters offers clear, practical advice for families.
Creating a Family Agreement for Online Safety
A Family Agreement—sometimes called an Online Agreement—is a great way to start conversations about how to use the internet safely and positively.
Working together to create an agreement helps your child understand:
- How to communicate respectfully and safely online
- What to do if they encounter something upsetting or confusing
- Who they can turn to for help—a trusted adult, such as a parent, teacher, youth leader, or support worker
Displaying the agreement in a visible place, using a format that suits your child’s communication style, can serve as a helpful reminder of the key safety rules you've agreed on together.
For templates and ideas, Childnet offers downloadable Family and Online Agreements to help guide this process.
Know the Safety Tools on Your Child’s Favourite Apps and Sites
Once you’ve explored the games, apps, and websites your child enjoys, it’s important to understand the safety features they offer. These tools can help protect your child and give you more confidence in supporting their online activity.
Here are a few key things to look for:
- Privacy settings – Learn how to control who can see your child’s profile and what information is shared.
- Age-appropriate features – Many platforms offer extra privacy protections for younger users, but only if the correct age is entered during sign-up.
- Blocking and reporting tools – Make sure your child knows how to block someone and report harmful or abusive content. These features empower them to take action if something goes wrong.
Most websites and apps have age restrictions for good reason—they’re designed to help keep children safe. Understanding these limits and using the available tools can make a big difference.
For guidance on social media settings and safety features, visit UK Safer Internet Centre for practical advice and step-by-step instructions.
Information based on https://www.childnet.com/help-and-advice/supporting-young-people-with-send-online/
Links to further information.
Please Note: Creating Tomorrow Trust is not responsible for the content of external links.
Telephone helplines for children
- Childline — 0800 1111 — a free 24-hour helpline for children in the UK.
- Child Helpline International — to find a helpline for children outside the UK.
Reporting
- CEOP — Child Exploitation and Online Protection: to report suspicious behaviour online towards a child directly to the police: Click 'Make A Report'.
- The Virtual Global Taskforce — click the ‘Report Abuse’ option on the home page and follow the instructions.
- UK Government Advice - Avoid and report Internet scams and phishing