WITH BLACK Friday around the corner, many of you may consider making the most of the discounts and buying some new devices for your children.

Some of those children, may have also been given their first mobile phone- which is a big step for all youngsters as they enter the online world.

As a parent or grandparent, it can be really difficult to know when is the right time to give children more access to the online world, as it can be quite a daunting thought.

However, if you are concerned about online safety, and have bought your child some new technology this Christmas, we have the following tips.

You should try and talk to your child about online safety at the first available opportunity, talking to them about their online activity is often the best way to ensure they’re safe while surfing the web.

I would also suggest exploring their online world with them and agree rules for what is okay, and what isn’t okay – adults must stick to these rules too!

Lastly, I encourage parents to explore the technology that is there to help them, like parental controls, as these will go a long way to keep your child safe.

If you ever have trouble remembering these tips, then the following acronym may be of some use to you.

•T – Talk about staying safe online.

•E – Explore their online world together.

•A – Agree rules on what is okay and what isn’t.

•M – Manage your family’s settings and controls.

To learn more about keeping your child safe online please visit our website https://www.nspcc.org.uk/preventing-abuse/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/

Emma Motherwell

Local Campaigns Manager for NSPCC