Apps are becoming an increasingly important way to communicate and access the internet through our phones, tablets and TVs. We use them to play games, send messages, check the news and weather and use maps and navigation services. Increasingly we are also using them to do our

banking.

While apps provide a simple and easy means of accessing great content and services, it's important to be aware of how to use them safely and securely.

Here are some tips to help you make the most of your smart device and apps and how to use them with confidence. This guide has been produced by Ofcom in association with the Information Commissioner's Office, the Competition and

Markets Authority, PhonepayPlus and the Financial Conduct Authority.

Read the resource here.

The UK Safer Internet Centre is coordinated by a partnership of three leading organisations; Childnet International, the South West Grid for Learning and the Internet Watch Foundation. It is co-funded by the European Commission's Safer Internet Programme and is one of the 31 Safer Internet Centres of the Insafe network. The centre has three main functions: an Awareness Centre, a Helpline and a Hotline.

More help links here

An exploration of self-harm in the context of online behaviour; what research currently tells us; current expert opinion from those who support children and young people with self-harm and how those of us with responsibility for online safety might consider adapting current interventions to understand and prevent digital self-harm.

This is essential reading for parents, carers and adults who work with young people.

Read the article here.

Dogs are excellent family pets, can be great company for adults and children - and keep you fit. However; dogs, large or small, pedigree or mixed breed, will bite in the wrong circumstances, and that is why we, their owners, must watch for the danger signs before it’s too late. This resource will look at warning signs to be aware of and what you can do to ensure your family and your dog stay safe.

Ofcom report on Internet Safety measures by Internet Service Providers: 

Read the report here.

 Smosh, Good Mythical Morning, PewDiePie -- the names may not mean much to you, but chances are your kids are on a first-name basis. Their funny hosts, off-the-cuff commentary, silly antics, and bewildering (to adults) subject matter put them among the most popular YouTube channels for young teens, garnering millions (and, in the case ofgame commentary PewDiePie, billions) of views. In fact, according to a recent survey of U.S. teens by Variety, the top five most influential celebrities are YouTube stars. But information about these personalities' shows -- the content, quality, and age-appropriateness, for example -- isn't easy for parents to find.

Read more.