Protecting Children Online UK — The Complete Parent Guide
Updated July 2026 · 8 min read · By Silent Erase | ICO Registered C1971457
Children face unique risks online — from data collection and targeted advertising to online grooming and cyberbullying. As a parent or guardian understanding these risks and taking practical steps to protect your children is one of the most important things you can do.
UK law protects children online:
The UK's Age Appropriate Design Code (Children's Code) requires websites and apps to protect children's privacy by default. Under UK GDPR children under 13 cannot give their own consent for data processing — parental consent is required.
Age-Appropriate Protection
Under 13 Children under 13 should not have social media accounts on most major platforms (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok minimum age is 13). Enable strict parental controls on all devices. Use child-specific search engines and browsers. Monitor all online activity.
13-15 Begin discussing online privacy and risks openly. Review privacy settings on social media together. Teach them about personal information — what is safe to share and what is not. Discuss online relationships and the concept of grooming.
16-17 Focus on education over restriction. Discuss data brokers, identity theft risks and how their digital footprint can affect them in later life. Help them understand GDPR rights and how to protect their privacy proactively.
Essential Parental Controls
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iPhone Screen Time Settings → Screen Time → Enable Screen Time. Set content restrictions, app limits and communication limits. Use Family Sharing to monitor and approve app downloads.
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Android Family Link Google Family Link lets you approve app downloads, see your child's location, set screen time limits and monitor their activity on Android devices.
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Router-Level Filtering Set up parental controls at router level using services like BT Parental Controls, Sky Broadband Shield or OpenDNS FamilyShield. This filters content across all devices on your home network.
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SafeSearch Enable Google SafeSearch and YouTube Restricted Mode. Consider child-specific search engines like Kiddle for younger children.
Children's Data and Privacy
Children's personal data is collected extensively by apps, games and websites. This data can end up on data broker sites and in the wrong hands can make your child vulnerable to targeted approaches.
Steps to protect your child's data:
• Never post your child's full name, school or location on public social media
- Avoid posting photos that reveal your home address or daily routine
- Check the privacy settings on any app your child uses
- Delete apps your child no longer uses — they continue collecting data
- Request deletion of your child's data from any app they have stopped using
Online Grooming — Warning Signs
Warning signs your child may be being groomed:
- Becoming secretive about online activity
- Switching screens or closing apps when you approach
- Receiving unexpected gifts, money or phone credit
- Spending excessive time online especially at night
- Becoming withdrawn or upset after using devices
- Mentioning new online friends you have never heard of
If you are concerned about grooming contact the CEOP (Child Exploitation and Online Protection Command) at ceop.police.uk or call 101. In an emergency always call 999.
Talking to Your Children About Online Safety
Open conversation is more effective than restriction alone. Key messages to share with your children at any age include — never share your full name, address, school or phone number online, never meet someone in person you only know online, always tell a trusted adult if something makes you uncomfortable online and it is always okay to block or report someone.
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