10-Step Family Online Safety Checklist

1. 1
   Set up every device together

   Sit with your child the first time an account is created. Enable 2-step verification, set the account to private, and turn off location sharing by default.

2. 2
   Agree screen-time in writing

   Write down when devices go away (meals, bedtime, homework). A shared family agreement works better than surprise rules.

3. 3
   Use strong, memorable passphrases

   Three unrelated words plus a number and symbol. Never reuse a password. Use a password manager if you can.

4. 4
   Turn on parental controls at the router

   Router-level filtering catches every device on the wifi — phones, tablets, consoles and smart TVs. Free options exist from most UK ISPs.

5. 5
   Review followers and friends monthly

   Ask your child to walk you through who follows them. Anyone unknown, unfollow or block together — no blame.

6. 6
   Know the tactics

   Learn the five-stage grooming pattern (targeting, trust, isolation, secrecy, escalation) so you spot early signs.

7. 7
   Have a safe-word for pickup

   Agree a word your child can text if they need collecting with no questions asked. It removes the pressure to explain in the moment.

8. 8
   Save the numbers before you need them

   Childline 0800 1111 · NSPCC 0808 800 5000 · CEOP for online abuse · 999 for immediate danger. Store them in your child's phone.

9. 9
   Talk about nudes before it happens

   Explain that sharing under-18 nudes is illegal, that images can be removed (IWF Report Remove), and that they will never be in trouble for telling you.

10. 10
    Check in — don't check up

    Weekly, ask 'what's the best and worst thing that happened online this week?'. Regular low-stakes chat beats one big lecture.

Emergency numbers: 999 (immediate danger) · Childline 0800 1111 · NSPCC 0808 800 5000 · Samaritans 116 123.