Supporting Children in Foster Care to Stay Safe Online
Online life is now part of everyday childhood. For children in foster care, the digital world can offer connection, creativity and learning – but it can also present risks. Supporting children to stay safe online is an increasingly important part of fostering in England.
At Beacon Fostering, we support foster carers across North West England to feel confident navigating online safety in a way that protects children while maintaining trust and positive relationships.
Online safety and children in care
Children in foster care may face additional vulnerabilities online due to past trauma, disrupted relationships or a desire for connection. Dame Rachel de Souza, Children’s Commissioner, has highlighted how complex this can be for parents and carers, noting that “balancing protection with enabling access to online spaces is one of the biggest challenges families face today.” This covered further in the new guide for parents and foster carers – What I wish my parents knew: A Guide for parents on managing digital lives
For foster carers, this balance is especially important. Children need guidance, not fear -and open conversations are key.
Creating healthy digital habits
Rather than focusing only on restrictions, effective online safety is about helping children understand risks and make safe choices. Foster carers can support children by:
- Talking openly about what they do online
- Setting clear, consistent boundaries around screen use
- Encouraging children to come forward if something worries them
- Modelling positive digital behaviour
Children are far more likely to share concerns when they feel trusted and supported.
Supporting foster carers with training and guidance
Many foster carers worry about getting online safety “wrong”. At Beacon Fostering, we reassure carers that perfection isn’t expected – learning together is what matters.
We provide:
- Foster carer training on online safety and safeguarding
- Practical advice tailored to different age groups
- Support from supervising social workers
- Guidance for foster carers in Lancashire and across the North West
Dame Rachel de Souza has emphasised that online safety is a “shared responsibility”, and we believe foster carers should never feel they are managing this alone.
Preparing children for adulthood
Helping children in foster care develop healthy digital habits is part of preparing them for independence. With the right support, children can learn to use technology confidently, responsibly and safely – skills that will stay with them into adulthood.
At Beacon Fostering, we are committed to supporting foster carers to provide safe, nurturing homes where children can explore the digital world with guidance and reassurance.