We want your children to be healthy and happy … and to develop well both physically and mentally. Children learn through exploration and natural curiosity, and it is part of our job as teachers and your job as parents to encourage that. However, as your children grow up, develop and discover new experiences, we have to take more and different steps to ensure their safety.

Until their understanding and instincts catch up with their curiosity, your children need to be protected from everyday dangers – whether crossing the road, in and around the home and school, trying new foods or talking to new people they meet.

And sooner or later … going online.

But they almost certainly don’t have the life-experience and wisdom to handle all of the situations they encounter. Chances are, they know more about these things than you do. Depending on the age that your children are now, they may not have yet discovered computers, smartphones or tablets, unless it’s just pressing the buttons! Alternatively, they may already be used to using certain trusted websites and apps or – if they’re older – using social networking sites.

None of us – of whatever age – is immune from encountering problems online, as a look through the daily news will tell you. Your children are certainly at a vulnerable stage in their lives … naturally more trusting than adults and hopefully having been less exposed to the darker side of the internet. They are also not as well equipped to deal with such issues – or their consequences. Some of these potential issues are as follows:

• Inappropriate contact: from people who may wish to abuse, exploit or bully them.
• Inappropriate conduct: because of their own and others’ online behaviour, such as the personal information they make public, for example on social networking sites. Unfortunately, children can also become cyberbullies, especially when encouraged by others.
• Inappropriate content: being able to access or being sexually explicit, racist, violent, extremist or other harmful material, either through choice or in error.
• Commercialism: being the targets of aggressive advertising and marketing messages.  
• Gaining access to your personal information stored on your computer, mobile device or games console, and passing it on to others … or using your financial details such as payment card information.
• Enabling viruses and spyware by careless or misinformed use of their or your computer, smartphone, tablet or games console.

(Ref: Get Safe Online)