Information for Parents and Carers
December 2021

We know that the top gift for many children this year will be a digital device such as a new phone or a games console.
We also know that Christmas can be fantastic but it can also be fraught!

We’ve put together some information that could help you make sure that everyone has a good time and children are safe and happy this Christmas.

Online gaming- what parents and carers need to know
This article has lots of useful links to resources and guides about in-game chat, security settings etc.

A Parent’s Guide to Privacy Settings
Information about setting the appropriate levels of privacy for your child

Short video from CEOP explaining how to make a report if something happens to a child or young person online
The Report Remove tool can be used by any young person under the age of 18 to get a nude image or video removed from the internet

Guidance for parents on social media from Internet Matters to help parents support their child’s social media use.
NSPCC and O2’s Net Aware site will be closing down at the end of 2021, but before then you can still get advice and information on a whole range of social media apps, including TikTok, Snapchat and Instagram. There is also information on supporting your child’s mental health online, what to do if you think your child is accessing porn online etc.

Stop it now website, live chat and helpline offers immediate support if you are worried about your own or your child’s thoughts or behaviours online.

Information from Family Links on nurturing everyone’s emotional health this Christmas
Classification : Official

Helplines for children and young people

Childline call 0800 1111

Shout crisis messenger text 85258

The Mix (ages 16-25) call 0808 808 4994

Young Minds text 85258

Is this OK? online chatbot and 1-2-1 chat

Helplines for adults

Samaritans call 116 123

Domestic Abuse helpline call 0808 2000 247

More helplines and support services can be found here or here.

Directory of local Stoke-on-Trent/Staffordshire services here

Missing children and child exploitation

Call Catch22 Child Exploitation and Missing Services on 01782 237106 and leave a message or email Catch22cse@catch-22.org.uk if you have a concern. To report a child missing, call 101.