Refugee & Asylum-Seeker Families
Digital safety guidance for children and families who are displaced, including those navigating unfamiliar platforms, language barriers, shared devices, and the effects of trauma.
Families who have sought refuge or asylum in the UK face a unique set of challenges when it comes to keeping children safe online. Children may have little or no experience of UK digital platforms, may be accessing the internet on shared devices in accommodation centres, and may have experienced significant trauma that affects how they interact with online spaces. Parents and carers often face language barriers that make understanding privacy settings or safety guidance difficult. This page offers practical steps tailored to these circumstances.
Why this matters
Displaced children can be particularly vulnerable to exploitation and grooming, especially when seeking connection and community online. Language barriers mean safety warnings and platform rules may not be understood. Shared devices in temporary accommodation can expose children to content intended for adults, or allow others to access their accounts.
Quick wins
Create a separate user profile for your child on any shared device
Time: 10 minutes
Enable SafeSearch on Google and content filters on YouTube
Time: 5 minutes
Tell your child they can always come to you if something online makes them feel scared or confused
Time: 5 minutes
Common challenges
Language barriers make safety settings and platform terms inaccessible
Use your device's built-in translation features to navigate settings. Our device guides include visual step-by-step instructions that work across languages. Local support workers or school staff may also be able to help set up devices safely.
Unfamiliar UK platforms and social norms online
Spend some time together exploring new platforms before your child uses them independently. Talk about which apps their school friends use and look at each one together using our app guides.
Trauma may affect how children respond to threatening or upsetting content online
Keep conversations gentle and non-pressurising. Make clear that they can always come to you without fear of being in trouble. If distressing content or interactions are affecting your child's wellbeing, speak to their school or a support worker about additional help.
Shared devices in temporary accommodation
Create separate user profiles for children and adults where possible. Log out of accounts after each session. Keep devices out of private spaces when children are using them.