Westmorland and Furness Safeguarding Children Partnership

Online safety

Online safety means understanding the potential risks you might face when using the internet and taking steps to protect yourself and your family. It’s about being aware, prepared and cautious while enjoying the benefits of the digital world.

Why online safety matters

Children today have more access to information than any generation before them. With tablets, laptops and smartphones being common tools at school and home, including for virtual learning, ensuring they use the internet safely is essential.

The internet can enrich our lives with valuable information, opportunities and connections, but it also carries risks that can harm devices, personal information, or even people themselves. Teaching children and families about online safety helps prevent exposure to inappropriate content, cyberbullying, scams, and privacy breaches.

What does online safety include?

Online safety covers many important areas:

  • understanding risks: knowing about threats like viruses, phishing scams, inappropriate content, and cyberbullying
  • protecting personal information: learning what data to share and how to keep it private
  • digital consent and ownership: recognising the importance of consent when sharing content and understanding digital rights
  • using privacy settings: keeping profiles and data secure on social networks and apps
  • safe online behaviour: encouraging respectful communication and responsible use of technology

How to stay safe online 

The internet is an amazing place to connect, learn, and have fun, but it’s important to stay safe while you’re online. Here are some key tips to help you protect yourself and enjoy your time on the web safely:

  • keep personal information private - avoid sharing details like your full name, address, phone number, school, or passwords with people you don’t know. Only share personal info with trusted friends and family.
  • think before you share - once something is online, it can be hard to remove. Be careful about what you post or share, including photos, videos, and messages. Ask yourself if it’s something you’d be okay with others seeing.
  • use strong passwords and two-factor authentication - create passwords that are hard to guess—use a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. Don’t share your passwords with anyone, and change them regularly. Also, turn on Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) whenever you can. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second step to log in, like a code sent to your phone. It helps keep your accounts safer even if someone knows your password.
  • be careful who you talk to - not everyone online is who they say they are. Only talk to people you know in real life and be cautious about making new friends online. If someone makes you uncomfortable, block and report them.
  • know how to report and block - most websites, apps, and games have tools to block users and report bullying, inappropriate content, or suspicious behaviour. Don’t hesitate to use these tools to protect yourself.
  • don’t open suspicious links or downloads - be wary of links or files sent by strangers—they might contain viruses or harmful software. Always check with a trusted adult before downloading anything.
  • talk to someone you trust - if you ever feel unsafe, scared, or upset by something online, talk to a parent, teacher, or another trusted adult. You don’t have to deal with it alone.

Taking care of your digital footprint

Everything you do online leaves a trace, this is called your digital footprint. It includes things like the websites you visit, what you post on social media, and the messages you send. Your digital footprint can stay online for a long time and might be seen by others, including future schools, employers, or people you don’t know.

Here’s how to take care of your digital footprint:

Think about what you post

Before you share a photo, comment, or status update, ask yourself:

  • Is this something I’d be happy for anyone to see?
  • Could this affect me later on?
    If the answer is no or you’re unsure, it’s better not to post it.

Check your privacy settings

Make sure your social media accounts are set to private so only people you trust can see your posts and information. Review these settings regularly as platforms sometimes change them.

Be respectful online

Treat others how you want to be treated. Don’t post hurtful comments or share things that might upset someone. Remember, what you do online says a lot about you.

Delete or unfollow if needed

If you find posts or photos of yourself or others that you don’t like or that might cause trouble, remove them if you can. You can also unfollow or block people who post things that make you uncomfortable.

Ask for help if something is wrong

If someone shares something about you online without your permission or you feel worried about your digital footprint, talk to a trusted adult. There are ways to get help and take control of your online presence.

Social media

Social media can be a great way to stay connected, share your interests, and express yourself. But sometimes it can also make people feel stressed, worried, or unhappy. Here are some tips to help you enjoy social media in a healthy and positive way:

Follow positive people and pages 

Choose to follow accounts that inspire you, make you feel happy, or share things you enjoy. Unfollow or mute anyone who makes you feel bad or anxious. 

Remember what is real 

People often share only the best parts of their lives online. Try not to compare yourself to others because social media doesn’t show the full picture. 

Take breaks when needed 

It’s okay to step away from social media if you’re feeling overwhelmed or upset. Spending less time online can help you feel better and focus on things you enjoy offline. 

Be kind to yourself and others 

Treat yourself with kindness and don’t be too hard on yourself if things don’t feel perfect. Also, use social media to spread kindness, support friends and avoid negative or harmful comments. 

Talk about how you feel 

If social media is making you feel unhappy or worried, talk to a trusted adult or friend. Sharing how you feel can help you get support and find ways to feel better. 

WFSCP and safer internet day

WFSCP supports national and global efforts like Safer Internet Day, which promotes a safer, better internet for all—especially children and young people. Safer Internet Day brings together organisations, professionals and families to raise awareness and encourage conversations about online safety.

The campaign promotes themes such as:

  • cyberbullying awareness and prevention
  • protecting digital identities
  • navigating social networks safely
  • respecting consent and privacy online

For more resources, visit the UK Safer Internet Centre.

Top tips for staying safe online

Whether you’re a parent, educator, or young internet user, these practical tips can help keep you safer online:

  • monitor internet use: keep track of children’s browsing history and online activities
  • use strong passwords: create complex passwords and change them regularly
  • adjust privacy settings: keep social media and apps set to the highest privacy levels
  • update security software: always keep antivirus and security software up to date
  • be careful with links: avoid clicking on suspicious links or attachments
  • stay vigilant on all devices: remember that mobile devices need the same attention as computers
  • communicate openly: talk regularly with children about their online experiences and concerns

Together for a safer internet

WFSCP encourages everyone to stay informed, stay cautious and support one another online.

Child sexual exploitation online

Child sexual exploitation online is a serious risk where predators use the internet to manipulate, groom, or exploit children. It’s important to recognise warning signs, keep open communication with children and use parental controls and privacy settings to help protect them from these dangers. Click here to find out more about Child Exploitation (Link to our CE Page).

Resources