Share Aware

Help your child stay safe on social networks

On Friday 9 January, the NSPCC launched the 'Share Aware' campaign, to help parents keep their children safe online.

The campaign is aimed at parents and carers of children aged 8-12. This is the age at which children start doing more online, become more independent and use a greater range of devices. The campaign aims to encourage parents and carers to improve their understanding of online safety and to have conversations with their children about keeping safe. Having conversations from a young age can help build trust and openness and get preventative messages across. However, many parents feel confused by the internet and out of their depth in understanding what their children are doing online and what the risks might be.

The Share Aware campaign aims to give parents the tools to feel confident to have these conversations. The campaign directs parents to a range of new resources, including Net Aware, a simple NSPCC guide to the social networks, sites and apps children use – as rated by parents and young people themselves. If your children spend time on Minecraft, Instagram, WhatsApp or Skype, you are likely to learn some valuable safety information from the Net Aware resources.

There is also a downloadable guide containing top tips for keeping your child safe online, as well 'conversation starters' to help parents with talking with their children.

The Share Aware campaign includes two animated short films. These are being shown on prime time television and on digital spaces. Each film has a serious message deriving from the stories of two children who share too much about themselves online.