Young children

Children are more likely to be abused at home, or by somebody they know, than by a stranger. Witnessing domestic violence in the home can also be classed as abuse.

• Find out more ways of protecting your children.

The internet

Chat rooms are often a fun way for children to gain social skills, ‘meet’ new friends and improve their computer and literacy skills, but they can be misused, and this can pose a threat.

When they use chat rooms, encourage your children to: 

• never give out personal information or their e-mail address
• arrange to meet someone in the chat room if they get on well with them, rather than contacting them direct; and
• use a ‘moderated’ chat room where someone ‘referees’ – this protects them from abusive people.

Your Internet Service Provider (ISP) may be able to advise you on filters which prevent children accessing adult or unsuitable material. Keeping computers in family areas (not in a child’s bedroom) also gives you some level of surveillance over how they are using the internet. Make sure they know the risks of what they are doing, going out and meeting new people.

Related links

• For more information on bullying visit www.kidscape.org.uk or www.dfes.gov.uk/bullying
•  If you are being bullied, you can phone Childline on: 0800 11 11 or visit their website at   www.childline.org.uk for advice.