Keep your children safe — online and offline
The UK's comprehensive child safety resource. Practical guidance for parents, carers, schools, and communities. Clear steps, real advice, no jargon.
24
Safety Topics
23
Device & App Guides
14
Free Downloads
10
Audience Guides
12
Emergency Guides
6
Training Courses
Choose your path
We have guidance tailored to your role. Select who you are to find the most relevant resources.
Common concerns
These are the topics parents and carers ask about most. Each guide includes practical steps you can take today.
Safety guidance by age
Every age brings different risks and different conversations. Find what matters for your child's stage.
Quick start for your child's age
Select an age to see the most important actions right now.
Select your child's age above to see personalised quick-start guidance.
Why trust this resource?
Safe Child Guide is a free public resource built to help families and professionals take practical, informed action.
Evidence-informed
Our guidance draws on published research, official recommendations, and established safeguarding frameworks.
Editorially responsible
Content is written in a calm, practical tone. We avoid sensationalism and fear-based messaging.
Transparent methodology
We explain how we research, write, and review content. Our editorial standards are public.
Regularly reviewed
Child safety evolves quickly. We review and update content to reflect current risks and guidance.
Need help right now?
Calm, step-by-step guidance for urgent child safety situations.
Interactive tools
Practical tools to help you take action right now.
Safety Plan Generator
Create a personalised safety checklist based on your child's age and your concerns.
Try itApp Comparison Tool
Compare the safety features of two apps side by side before your child downloads them.
Try itDevice Setup Wizard
Step-by-step guide to setting up parental controls on any device in your home.
Try itReporting Guide
How to report concerns on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, YouTube, and more.
Try itFree checklists & downloads
Practical, printable resources you can use today. All completely free.
Free safeguarding resources for your school
Policy templates, workshop packs, assembly ideas, and staff training materials — all free and ready to use.
Complete guides
In-depth resources bringing together everything you need on key topics.
The Complete Guide to Child Online Safety
A comprehensive overview of every major online risk children face today, covering devices, apps, privacy, social media, and practical steps every parent can take.
Read guideKeeping Children Safe in Public Places
Practical guidance on keeping children safe in public spaces including shops, parks, events, and while travelling, with advice on stranger awareness and road safety.
Read guideThe Family Child Safety Checklist
A comprehensive family safety audit covering online, physical, and emotional safety — use this checklist to identify gaps and strengthen your family's overall protection.
Read guideThe Complete Guide to Giving a Child Their First Smartphone
Everything you need to know before giving your child their first phone — from choosing the right device and setting it up safely to establishing clear family rules.
Read guideLatest research & alerts
Evidence-led updates on emerging child safety risks.
The Rise of Sextortion Targeting Teenagers: What Parents Need to Know
An urgent alert for parents about the growing trend of sextortion targeting teenage boys, with practical advice on prevention and response.
AI Chatbots and Children: Understanding the Emerging Risks
A research-based explainer on the risks AI chatbots and conversational AI tools pose to children, and what families can do to stay safe.
Screen Time: What the Research Really Says
A balanced, evidence-based look at the screen time debate, separating genuine concerns from moral panic.
Stay informed
Get practical child safety updates, new guides, and alerts delivered to your inbox. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
We respect your privacy. See our privacy policy.