A new guide for parents and carers aimed at raising awareness of how to keep children safe online - and prevent them being targeted by radical and extremist material - has been launched as part of Sandwell's Safer 6 campaign .

The ‘Online Safety - Against Extremism’ booklet has been devised by Sandwell Council’s Prevent team.

The guide encourages parents and carers not only to increase their awareness of how to keep children safe online in general, but also shows how easily they can be exposed to extremist material online as well.

Topics covered include information about the different apps, games, social media platforms, message boards, fake news and clickbait, and how extremist influencers can use these to target and attract young people to their information, which often then links to extremist content.

The booklet outlines recent research, statistics and issues to look out for, along with practical tips and actions to keep children and young people safe online using the NSPCC’s Team approach. Councillor Danny Millard, Sandwell’s cabinet member for communities, said:

“It is really important that parents and carers are actively engaging with their children, and young people about keeping safe online. Some parents and carers will have the skills and knowledge to do this, however some may not be as confident.

"This booklet is an extremely handy ‘go to’ guide for helping with this and starting that conversation.”

The guide is available online on Sandwell's website which also contains contact details of agencies – including the council’s Prevent team – that can provide further information and support, and training.

Members of the Prevent team will also be handing out copies of the guide at Sandwell Safer 6 events and pop up stalls during the coming weeks.