| Foster carers play a vital and increasingly complex role in supporting children to navigate their online lives safely. Especially as the digital world is constantly changing. New apps, games and platforms emerge rapidly, and the risks associated with online activity can feel worrying and difficult to keep up with. For children in care, who may be particularly vulnerable to online exploitation and bullying, navigating the digital world safely can present additional challenges. We recognise that supporting safe online use can feel overwhelming at times. Carers are often balancing the need to protect children from harm with the importance of building trust and encouraging independence. This requires ongoing learning, open communication and sensitivity to each child’s individual needs and experiences. We acknowledge both the dedication this demands and the understandable anxieties it can bring, and remain committed to ensuring carers feel supported and equipped in this ever-evolving area. As it is a very big topic, we have only been able to provide a brief summary, with some tips, here. However, The Children’s Commissioner has produced some really helpful guidance and activity packs which we have linked below. |
| Example Scenario: |
| A 13-year-old young person in foster care starts spending longer periods on their phone, especially late at night. They become secretive when asked who they are messaging and appear anxious when notifications come through. The carer later learns the child has been added into a Snapchat group chat with older teenagers. The group begins sharing inappropriate videos and encouraging others to send photos. The young person feels pressured to join in because they do not want to be excluded or bullied. |
| Key guidance/tips: |
| From the start, talk openly and frequently with all children and young people about the internet – both pros and cons – to enable them to feel safe to talk, and tell you, about their life online. Keep in mind that online safety is often more about parenting and communication than technological safety tools. Check age limits for apps and discuss why they exist rather than only banning them. Set parental controls on devices, Wi-Fi and app settings to reduce unsafe content. Encourage the young person to keep their accounts private and turn off location sharing. Remind children that people online may not be who they claim to be, especially with AI and fake profiles. Agree clear house rules about phone use, especially at night and in the bedrooms. Be curious about who they talk to online, explore whether they know them in real life. Explain that group chats can become unsafe and inappropriate quickly. Acknowledge that they may feel uncomfortable to leave it or block people but talk of the benefits of doing so (EG; not being involved in illegal activity or bullying). Look out for warning signs such as secrecy, mood changes, gifts, or sudden new “friends”, and do share your concerns with your SSW and the LA SW. Teach them how to block, report, and screenshot evidence if something worrying happens. Make sure the child knows that you will not judge them, and that they will not be in trouble for telling an adult if something goes wrong online. |
| Online safety is not about stopping young people from using technology, but about helping them use it safely and confidently. Foster carers can support this by: setting clear boundaries, keeping communication open, curious and non-judgemental, and knowing when to seek help. If something does not feel right, it is always better to raise concerns early. |
| Further material to explore: |
| More in-depth resources and informationInternet Matters – Parental Controls and Guides: https://www.internetmatters.org/parental-controls/ The Children’s Commissioner has very recently produced some excellent guidance and an activity pack on online safety: “What I wish my parents or carers knew”:A guide for parents or carers on managing children’s digital lives: https://assets.childrenscommissioner.gov.uk/wpuploads/2025/12/cc-what-i-wish-parent-guide.pdf– Activity pack to share with children, to help keep them safe online https://assets.childrenscommissioner.gov.uk/wpuploads/2025/12/cc-what-i-wish-activity-pack.pdf |
| Relevant NMS Standard: |
| NMSStandard 4: Safeguarding Children 4.4: Foster carers encourage children to take appropriate risks as a normal part of growing up. Children are helped to understand how to keep themselves safe, including when outside of the household or when using the internet or social media. |