Tips for parents and guardians

Getting Protected Online

The internet lets children connect with friends and learn new things. But there are also dangers to going online, and children can be particularly vulnerable.

Talking to your child is one of the best ways to keep them safe online. 

You can also take steps for yourself by understanding the risks and keeping yourself up-to-date on the latest technology, websites and social networks you can help your child enjoy the internet safely and securely.

Don’t worry, help is at hand, we’ve included helpful resources for all ages for the best advice available.

There are other areas of support for device specific needs. For example, Family sharing options on Apple devices amongst other apps/software available that help with parental/carer control over devices (privacy settings, app requests, screen time and more). Please do your research to find what works with the devices used and for the required set-up you’re after.

• Review our Online Safety Checklist
• Using Parental Controls
• Online gaming
• Digital Footprints
• Check list for setting a device up safely
• Be safe online - Lesson plans on how to protect from cyber crime
• Cyber security for schools
• Social media: Whilst not all social media apps are bad, it’s important to be aware of what kids and vulnerable people are up to when they’re online.Please visit NCSC, Safer internet and Internet Matters for step by step guides on how to set up privacy settings and navigating social media safely to get tips to support your child's digital wellbeing.You can also follow the National Online Safety on Facebook for their wake up Wednesday updates to help educate yourself and child on the risks associated to trending apps.

Cyber Choices:

We offer an early invention scheme called ‘Cyber Choices’ (previously known as Cyber PREVENT). 

More and more young people are getting involved in cybercrime. Many do it for fun without realising the consequences of their actions

The Cyber Choices network was created to help people make informed choices and to use their cyber skills legally. The aims of the programme are to:

• Educate on the Computer Misuse Act and the possible consequences should they break the law
• Encourage individuals to make informed choices about their use of technology
• Deter and/or divert individuals from cybercrime
• Promote legal and ethical cyber opportunities.

We work with young people on a 1-to-1 basis, if they have been referred to us and work proactively to educate young people on the Computer Misuse Act, as they may not realise they are committing an offence, or they may not fully understand the consequences of their actions.

The most important aspect is that together we help them understand what is and isn’t legal, so that they don’t head down the wrong route to become a Cybercriminal.

This is the ideal time for anyone with skill and an interest in the world of computing or all things cyber, to explore a career in cyber security. 

• The world is crying out for more cyber security professionals – a role which pays well and has a great reputation. It is important to understand that cyber security is not a solely technical role but has an emphasis on problem solving. 
• At the same time we have to understand that young people are inadvertently at risk of sliding in to Cyber Crime. 
• 1 in 4 teenagers have tried some form of Cyber Crime – many without realising. Lots of young people are heading into Cyber Crime through gaming.

Concerned about a young person? – We can help!

If you are worried about what a young person is doing online we can help. It is not too late for them. 

For more information and to refer someone on to the Cyber Choices referral programme, please visit: www.eastmidlandscybersecure.co.uk/cyber-choices