Staying safe online: a safer environment for kids and teens

To help children enjoy the internet safely, we’ve teamed up with McAfee for our BT Family Protection software – and we’ve produced a simple set of rules to follow: Stop, Think, Stay Safe.

The internet is an amazing resource for children – helping them interact, learn and have fun – but it’s also important to make sure children stay as safe as possible online. That’s why we’ve teamed up with McAfee for our BT Family Protection software, and have produced the Stop, Think, Stay Safe rules to follow. Find out more about them below.

BT Family Protection

BT Family Protection is quick, easy and free for BT Broadband customers to set up. It also lets you choose the right level of protection for each child on up to three computers in your home.

Here’s what you can do with BT Family Protection:

• Block inappropriate websites
• Set limits for time online
• Control social networking
• Filter YouTube content
• Review online usage reports and set up alerts

Find out more about BT Family Protection >

Stop, Think, Stay Safe

These tips can be shared with your children to help them recognise and reduce the risks they might face online.

Stop – Don’t give out any personal details

You wouldn’t stand on the street handing out leaflets all about you. So don’t give out personal information on the internet.

Don’t give out:

• your full or real name
• your address
• your mobile or home phone number
• your school’s name or address
• your friends’ or family’s personal details
• your favourite places
• your photo

When you’re signing up for any online accounts – email, chat or on a web site – use a nickname.

Think – Things aren’t always what they seem

You’ve probably heard stories about people on the internet pretending to be someone else so that they can make friends with young people. Not everyone on the internet has bad intentions, but some do.

Question everything:

• Is someone asking you questions about yourself?
• If so, why do they need to know those things?
• Do they get annoyed when you don’t answer?
• Why are they asking you to talk in private?

Remember, people who are interested in tricking you can be very smart. They know all the ways to get your trust. Be extra careful with anyone asking you lots of questions about yourself.

Stay safe – Spread the word

Tell your mum, dad and friends what you’ve seen and done on the internet. Not just any bad stuff, but the good things too. Your parents will feel a lot more relaxed if you tell them what you’re up to. If you don’t feel comfortable telling your mum or dad, tell an adult you trust – like your aunt, your teacher or your mate’s mum.

More information

• Download our free Internet Green X Code leaflet.
• Read even more top tips to help your children stay safe online.

And don’t forget to share your experiences in the comments box below.

BT Family Protection

Keep your family safe online with BT Family Protection, in association with McAfee. Download it here.

Get protected now