Access Compass guide
Online safety for disabled children (controls and reporting)
Practical steps to help disabled children stay safe online, and how to report concerns.
Published by Access Compass · How we research and check guides
Who it's for: Parents & carers, Children & young people, Professionals
Source checked automatically Last checked 5 Oct 2026. Review due 4 Nov 2026. Always confirm details with the service before relying on them.
Step by step
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Learn about the risks
Find out what your child might meet online. The NSPCC and Internet Matters guides linked below explain the risks.
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Set up parental controls
Use the parental controls built into your child's devices and apps to filter content and set usage times. Check the settings regularly.
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Talk about staying safe
Talk with your child about staying safe online, and encourage them to tell you if they see something that worries them.
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Watch for warning signs
Your child becoming more secretive about their devices or time online can be a warning sign. Keep talking openly, and supervise online activity while your child needs support.
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Know how to report
Report online abuse or grooming to CEOP, part of the National Crime Agency. Contact the NSPCC Helpline for advice. If your child is in immediate danger, call 999.
Useful links
- CEOP Safety Centre
- Internet Matters – parental controls
- UK Safer Internet Centre – parental controls
- CEOP Safety Centre (report online grooming)
- Ofcom – how it's helping children to be safer online
- NSPCC – online safety hub
- National Cyber Security Centre – VPNs guidance
- Internet Matters
- Internet Matters – managing VPNs (guide for parents)
- CEOP Safety Centre
- NSPCC – parental controls and online safety hub
- NSPCC Online Safety
Source: https://www.ceop.police.uk/