As children grow more confident online, it’s important that we, as adults, stay aware of the different parts of the internet they may come across. While most of us are familiar with the everyday “surface web” we use for browsing, shopping, and connecting with others, there are other layers known as the Deep Web and the Dark Web.

• The Deep Web contains pages not indexed by search engines (for example, private databases or password-protected sites).

• The Dark Web, however, is a hidden part of the internet that requires special software (such as TOR) to access. It is unregulated, which means it is often linked with inappropriate or illegal content.

Children and young people may be curious about these areas, sometimes drawn by the “mystery” surrounding them. However, unmonitored access can expose them to inappropriate content, unsafe communities, or even online predators.

We encourage you to:

• Talk openly with your child about the risks and realities of the Dark Web.

• Keep an eye out for unusual browsers such as TOR installed on devices.

• Reassure your child that everything they need online can be accessed safely through normal web browsers.

By staying alert and maintaining honest conversations, we can help keep our children safe as they navigate the online world.