Online Behaviour & Safety

Online safety

Whether your child is taking their first steps into the online world or using it quite a lot, talking to them about navigating the internet safely is one of the most important things you can do to help keep them safer. The more you talk to them about how they use technology like their mobile or games console, the more likely they are to understand your concerns. And the more likely they are to come to you if they feel like something isn’t right.

Screen time and use

These days it’s almost impossible to get through a day without looking at a screen. And it certainly helps to have something to keep the kids quiet when we need to get on with things. But screen use (whether it’s smartphones, tablets, laptops, computers, games consoles or TV) can also cause parents a lot of confusion. Is it harmful? How much is too much? Should we all be cutting down on our screen use? Here we look at the pros and cons, and have lots of tips for making the most of screen time together and keeping a healthy balance between screen use and other activities.

Making the most of social media

Young people can gain lots of good things from social media. But sadly there can also be a down side. Here we look at how social media can affect young people’s mental health, and how you can help your teen make the most of being online.

Child sexual abuse and exploitation

If you suspect that a child or young person you care about is at risk, you may be feeling scared, powerless, confused or angry. But painful as this situation is, you're not alone: there is help out there, and you can get through this. So don’t panic. There are lots of organisations who can offer help and advice. Abuse involves serious crime and isn’t something that you need to deal with alone. If you think your child is being abused or has been abused, it should be reported to Police Scotland or Social Work whose trained experts will provide advice and support and help you to keep your child safe. Our page on reporting concerns has more information.

Criminal exploitation of children

The criminal exploitation of children takes place when children or young people under the age of 18 are pressured into committing crimes, like stealing or transporting drugs, for the benefit of someone else. 

Criminal exploitation is a form of child abuse. Although it leads to children and young people breaking the law, they are still victims. However, often children and young people in this situation don’t see themselves as exploited, and may even see their exploiters as their ‘friends’.

Here we look at what criminal exploitation is, how to spot the signs it may be happening, and what to do if you’re worried that your child or another child you know may be a victim of criminal exploitation.