Admin Hublisbon project

Online safety: A guide for parents and carers

This guide will help you

  • Understand the main online risks your child might face,
  • Recognize the warning signs when something is wrong,
  • Take practical steps to prevent problems, support your child, and react effectively,
  • Find sources of help and support, both online and here in Lisbon.

Common Online Risks Children and Teens Face

Risk
  • What it means & Warning signs
Cyberbullying
  • What it means: Hurtful or abusive messages, sharing embarrassing photos, being excluded from online groups, or fake accounts. Warning signs: sadness or anxiety after going online, avoiding devices, dropping grades, or social withdrawal.
Sexting / sharing intimate content
  • What it means: Sending or receiving sexual images/videos, sometimes under pressure. Warning signs: worrying about someone “spreading” images, secrecy, stress, or shame.
Unwanted contact / grooming
  • What it means: Strangers online asking personal questions, offering gifts, or pushing for in-person meetings. Warning signs: hiding conversations, secretive new “friends,” messages late at night, or requests to keep things secret.
Exposure to inappropriate content
  • What it means: Violent, pornographic, or extremist material found online. Warning signs: confusion, discomfort, or reluctance to talk about what they have seen.
Excessive screen time / overuse
  • What it means: Spending too much time gaming, scrolling, or using apps. Warning signs: tiredness, irritability, neglecting school or hobbies, or headaches.
Online gaming risks
  • What it means: Stranger chats, in-game purchases, gambling-like features, or peer pressure. Warning signs: long hours of play, unexplained spending, or mood swings after gaming.

Warning Signs to Watch For

  • Avoids using their phone or computer suddenly,
  • Shows sadness, anger, or mood changes after being online,
  • Withdraws from friends or family,
  • Has trouble sleeping, eating, or concentrating,
  • Is secretive about online activity,
  • Suddenly stops talking about friends or activities they used to enjoy.

How Parents Can Act: Before, During, After

Before (Prevention)
  • Start the conversation early. Talk about kindness, respect, privacy, and consequences online.
  • Set clear family rules. For example: when devices can be used, which apps are allowed, no sharing of personal or intimate images, and safe screen time limits.
  • Use tools wisely. Enable parental controls, privacy settings, and safe search filters.
  • Explore together. Play games, watch videos, or scroll apps with your child to understand their digital world.
  • Build resilience. Encourage self-confidence, critical thinking, and the ability to say “no” when something feels wrong.
During (Ongoing Support)
  • Stay involved. Ask open questions: Who are you talking to online? What do you like about that app?
  • Balance trust and guidance. Respect privacy, but make sure you know which platforms and contacts your child is using.
  • Watch behaviour. Notice changes in mood, friendships, or sleep.
  • Help manage time. Agree together on healthy screen time and offline activities.
After (If something goes wrong)
  • Listen calmly. Reassure your child they are not in trouble, and that you will work it out together.
  • Save evidence. Take screenshots of harmful messages, images, or posts.
  • Block and report. Use the app or platform’s tools to block offenders and report abuse.
  • Seek support. Involve teachers, school counsellors, or professional help if needed.
  • Contact authorities. If there is a serious threat (e.g. grooming, sexual images, repeated bullying), report it to the police or a support line.

Sources of Support

In Portugal and Lisbon

Linha Internet Segura (Safe Internet Line)
  • +351 800 219 090 | www.internetsegura.pt- Linha Internet Segura is available on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.

The service provided by Linha Internet Segura includes:

  • Clarification and support for citizens - for safer, responsible and healthier use of the Internet and associated technologies.
  • Service for reporting illegal online content - namely Child Sexual Abuse Material, Incitement for Racism, incitement for Violence, Online Terrorist Content.
APAV (Associação Portuguesa de Apoio à Vítima)
  • Victim support helpline: 116 006. Monday till Friday 8h-23h.

It is, in short, a non-profit and voluntary organization, which supports, in an individualized, qualified and humanized way, victims of crime, through the provision of free and confidential services.

School support services (GAAF – Gabinetes de Apoio ao Aluno e à Família)
  • Available in many Lisbon schools.
Linha SOS Criança e Jovem

Support service for children to express their problems, talk about issues that directly affect them, and ask for help. Support service for families and other professionals who deal with risky situations and want clarification or to report cases.

Useful resources for parents and carers

eSafety Commissioner (Australia)
  • Parents’ Guide – A government-led resource offering practical advice, tips, and tools to help parents and carers understand and manage online risks (like cyberbullying, image sharing, grooming, etc.). It includes guidelines for prevention, how to respond when problems occur, and supports for children and families.
Common Sense Media
  • www.commonsensemedia.org – a widely used non-profit resource that reviews apps, games, movies, and online services from the perspective of age-appropriateness, content, and safety. Parents can see ratings, user reviews, and advice for media use, helping decide what is suitable and how to guide children’s media consumption.
Webwise
  • https://www.webwise.ie/ - provides free advice, information, and resources to ensure that your child makes the most of their time online.
Events

Quick Parent Checklist

  1. Do I talk regularly with my child about their online life?
  2. Do we have clear family rules about technology use?
  3. Do I know which apps and platforms my child uses?
  4. Do I notice changes in behaviour linked to online activity?
  5. Do I know how to block, report, or remove harmful content?
  6. Do I know where to get help locally if something goes wrong?

Rules to be aware of

Strong Passwords
  • Help your child create long, unique passwords — not “12345” or birthdays.
No Real Photos
  • Use fun avatars instead of real pictures to stay private.
Keep Info Secret
  • Never share names, school, or address in games or chats.
Not Everyone Is a Friend
  • Online players come from everywhere — some may have bad intentions.
Watch the Chat
  • If someone asks for personal info, stop the chat and tell an adult.
Avoid “Free Stuff”
  • Don’t click unknown links or download random offers.
Take Breaks
  • Too much screen time? Pause and rest, it’s just a game - it will be there when you came back.
Homework First
  • Games are fun, but school and chores come first.

Important

Online safety is not about controlling every click. It is about building trust, resilience, and open communication so that children feel safe, supported, and confident to face challenges in the digital world. With your guidance, they can enjoy the benefits of technology while staying protected.

Where we are

Rua Carvalho Araújo 66-B
1900-140 Lisboa
Portugal

How to Get Here

  • Metro: Linha Verde (Green Line) - Intendente Station
  • Bus: 708, 730, 742, 794

Opening hours

Mon, Tue, Thu
10:00–12:30 & 14:00–17:30
Wednesday (Extended)
Until 19:30
Friday
Until 18:30
No appointment needed. Just walk in.

Contact info

+351 964 809 959