Online safety resources

These external resources offer practical advice for parents, caregivers, and families. Laws, services, and terminology vary by country — use what fits your situation.

Parents and caregivers

• Internet Matters — age-based guides, parental controls, and advice on devices and apps.
• ConnectSafely — guides on social media, AI, cyberbullying, and family technology use.
• Common Sense Media — reviews and tips for apps, games, movies, and screen time by age.

Security habits for the whole family

• CISA — Secure Our World (US) — simple steps: strong passwords, multi-factor authentication, recognizing phishing, and updating software.
• NCSC — Cyber Aware (UK) — guidance on passwords, device updates, and backing up important data.

Reporting and getting help

If someone is in immediate danger, contact local emergency services.

Reporting options depend on where you live. Many countries have:

• Child protection or online safety hotlines — search for your national “report online child abuse” or “cyber safety” agency.
• Law enforcement — for threats, exploitation, or criminal harassment.
• Platform or school resources — if harm involves another service or school environment, use that organisation’s reporting tools as well.

We cannot provide legal advice or investigate third-party platforms on your behalf. For issues specific to your Family Chat server (access, members, billing), email [email protected] .

Talking with your family about chat

• Agree who can be added to your server (Family Chat accounts are invite-only via the control panel).
• Talk about what belongs in family chat versus public social media.
• Encourage children to tell a trusted adult if something online makes them uncomfortable.
• Review privacy settings and your federation allow-list if you choose to connect to outside Matrix servers.