Golden rules for keeping children safe include:

• Always keep the family computer in a public place such as a communal room where you can easily see the screen
• Set up filter systems on your computer that block unsuitable material
• Invest in good antivirus/spyware/pop-up blocking software if your computer does not have it already
• Stay involved and engaged with your children's online behaviours. Talk to your children about what they are doing on the internet and get them to show  you what games or chat rooms they use
• Ensure that you have read the terms and conditions for responsible use of the particular sites and that you adhere to the minimum age restrictions for all children (not just your own) who may gain access to it. This is particularly important with media such as social networking sites, computer games, YouTube, iPlayer, music videos and DVDs because of the associated risks
• Help children to realise that things written on the social networking sites are published and can be seen by other users, and that therefore any posts must be polite and fair, and not lead to another person feeling demeaned, harassed or bullied
• Reinforce the smart rules at home (available on the Know it all website). These are
• Safe - not giving out any personal information;
• Tell - tell someone if you see something that you don't like or upsets you; and
• Meet - don't meet up with someone you have met online
• Show children how to use the internet and help them not to be afraid of it as it is a wonderful resource

For further information about Safer Internet Day please go to their website www.saferinternet.org where you will find films, storybooks and other fun sites, with plenty of information to help your child enjoy their time online and help them understand how to stay safe on the internet.

There is also a  Safer Internet Day Quiz to help children and young people find out how much they know about sharing images online.  With questions about who can see what you post and the consequences of posting negative content, the quiz aims to help young people make good online decisions and think more before they post.

Please click on the links at the top of the page to get advice on how to stay safe online.