The NSPCC is offering free support and advise to keep children from online harm ahead of Safer Internet Day.

The charity is aiming to get get families talking about socialising safely online through its successful Share Aware campaign, and has been working with primary school children across west London.

The NSPCC has been talking to the children about all forms of abuse, including online.

Throughout Hammersmith and Fulham, Kensington and Chelsea and Westminster, the service has spoken to nearly 5,000 pupils at over 50 schools, ahead of Safer Internet Day on 9 February.

Kelly Thorndick, NSPCC Schools Service area coordinator said: “As our children are increasingly living their lives online, it’s so important that parents and carers know the simple things they can do to help their children enjoy the internet safely .

"The internet is an incredible place to socialise, learn and play, as long as it’s safe. Just having a simple conversation with them about what sites and apps they use and how is the best way to start.”

“Through our work with primary schools we know that online safety is a big issue – it’s one of the main subjects schools are keen for us to cover in our assemblies and workshops.”

Seven simple tips to make the internet safer for your children

  1. Speak to them early about online safely and discuss with them often.
  2. Explore online together – ask to see their favourite things to do online.
  3. Know who your child is talking to online.
  4. Set rules and agree boundaries such as how long they can be online and what sites they can use.
  5. Make sure that content is age-appropriate.
  6. Use parental controls to filter, restrict, monitor or report content.
  7. Check they know how to use privacy settings and reporting tools.

For advice on staying safe in the digital world go to www.net-aware.org.uk .

For more information about the NSPCC Schools Service go to cllick here or email kelly.thorndick@nspcc.org.uk