Pinterest

Sitting down with your child and exploring their favourite app or game is a great way for you to learn more about what they like to do online.

You can ask them why they like to use an app or play certain games, as well as who they’re talking to and what sorts of things they’re sharing.

You can also read our Net Aware reviews for tips on how to keep kids safe on popular apps, sites and games.

Help your child think about what they share online and who sees it. Compare it to what they would be happy to share offline.

Use examples that are easy for them to understand: “You shouldn't give your number to somebody you don't know on the street. Is somebody online you don't know any different?”

Listen to their answers. And be positive and encouraging.

Remind them that they shouldn’t share private things, such as:

• personal information, like names, emails, phone numbers, location and school names
• other people's personal information
• links to join private group chats
• photos of themselves
• photos of their body, such as sexual photos or videos.

Explain that you understand the internet is a great place to play, create, learn and connect. But remind them they can talk to you if anything upsets or worries them.

Reassure them that you won’t overreact – you’re just looking out for them.

It’s important to remind your child that they can talk you, another adult they trust, like a teacher, or Childline about anything they see online.

It’s important to check the privacy settings on your child’s Pinterest account to make sure what they’re posting is kept private or shared only with friends.  

On Pinterest, you can keep your account hidden from search engines, like Google and Bing. And you can create secret boards that are hidden from other people (unless you invite them see it). Explore these features together and talk about what to keep private.  

You can visit Pinterest for specific information on account privacy.  

Your child might see something upsetting or negative on Pinterest. If this happens, they might want to report something or block someone. 

Pinterest has guidance on how to report something and how to block someone.  

And remember to let your child know that they can always talk to you about worrying things they see online.