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Here you will find links to guidance from various organisations on using the internet and other communications technologies safely. If you have suggestions for other sites that may be of interest let us know at media.literacy@ofcom.org.uk

Ofcom reminds you of its disclaimer with regards to third party websites

• Internet safety zone
  Internet safety zone is a website on internet safety for parents, children and young people. It has been funded by the European Commission’s ‘Safer Internet Action Plan’ in partnership with the Public Awareness sub group of the Home Secretary’s Internet Task Force on Child Protection, of which Ofcom is a member.
• Get Safe Online
  The Get Safe Online website is a one-stop-shop for information about online safety, to give home users and small businesses the advice they need to use the Internet safely. It is a joint initiative from the UK Government, the National Hi-Tech Crime Unit and private sector sponsors from the worlds of technology, retail and finance.
• Tackling cyberbullying
  The Department for Education and Skills bullying website has guidance for pupils, teachers and parents on tackling cyberbullying.
• Think U Know
  The Home Office has produced a leaflet to help you find out what you need to know to keep your children safe when they use the Internet.
• Parents Centre
  This site has been created by the Department for Education and Skills (DfES) to promote home school links by helping parents understand the role of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) in learning. It includes information on internet safety.
• Internet Watch Foundation
  The Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) works in partnership with Government, Industry & Police to minimise the availability of illegal content online (specifically child abuse images). Via their website they operate a ‘hotline’ where you can report details of such content you may have been exposed to
• DTI
  The DTI, through Consumer Direct, has produced a short guide on safe shopping online.
• ITsafe
  ITsafe is a government service to provide both home users and small businesses with advice on protecting computers, mobile phones and other devices from malicious attack
• PhonepayPlus
  PhonepayPlus is the regulatory body for all premium rate charged telecommunications services. PhonepayPlus regulates the content and promotion of services through its Code of Practice.PhonepayPlus investigates complaints and has the power to fine companies and bar access to services
• PhonepayPlus - phonebrain
  A new website for young users intended to be fun, interactive and relevant. It explains how to recognise premium rate services, how much to expect to pay, exposes potential problems and guides children through modern issues that affect them and their friends.
• Advice from T-Mobile UK
  This site has been created by T-Mobile UK, with input and advice from the NSPCC, for parents or carers who are purchasing a mobile phone for use by a child. It provides information on the services T-Mobile offers to help keep children safe while using mobile phones, such as Content Lock, whilst helping them understand the risks and discuss them with their children. It covers malicious communications, bullying, inappropriate content, premium rate services, spam, mobile theft and health.
• Virtual Global Task Force
  The virtual global task force is an international alliance of law enforcement agencies working together to make the internet a safer place, it also has a section for children with advice on how to stay safe online
• National Grid for Learning
  The Department for Education and Skills (DfES) ‘national grid for learning’ has guidance on using technology safely in schools
• CBBC
  The BBC’s ‘CBBC’ site includes web and mobile safety resources
• NCH
  NCH, the children’s charity, has published information on internet & mobile safety including the site www.stoptextbully.com/.
• Gridclub
  GridClub, a site for 7-12 year olds with games and activities linked to the schools curriculum, has an online cybercafe with a range of activities to explain the correct use of email, the appropriate behaviour in a chat room, appropriate web browsing and text messaging and more
• Childnet International
  Childnet International’s mission is to work in partnership with others around the world to help make the internet a great and safe place for children.
  Resources on their website include a guide for parents on file sharing and downloading music at www.childnet-int.org/music/index.html
• BMR
  The British Music Rights website has further information and debate on file sharing and downloading music

There are also a number of international initiatives aimed at promoting the safer use of the internet.

• Safer Internet
  This is an awareness campaign partly funded by the European Commission.
• Saft Online
  A cross-European project that aims to promote safe use of the Internet among children and young people.
• Educaunet
  A media education programme for young people with a range of teaching and other material.

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