John Lewis to offer specialist advice to families on internet safety
John Lewis has become the first department store in the UK to offer specialist advice to families on internet safety.
The retailer has teamed up with online safety organisation Internet Matters to train staff in its 34 stores to become experts in family technology. They will also help to support parents and carers with the safe and secure set up and use of electronic devices.
John Lewis said store staff will be able to equip parents and carers with the knowledge, skills and tools needed to help keep children safe when using connected tech. This will include giving in-person advice on new and previous purchases such as setting tech devices up safely, developing healthy gaming habits, balancing screen time, creating a positive digital footprint and using tech to support digital wellbeing.
The move follows a recent John Lewis survey of 1,000 parents which found that over two thirds of parents were concerned about internet safety when their child uses an electronic device.
Charlotte Lock, customer director at John Lewis said, “We know that internet safety is really important to our customers with children – so we are equipping our partners nationwide with the specialist knowledge, tools and skills to support them. Our technology departments have always strived to offer great customer care, service and expertise. It’s clear that a child’s first step into the digital world is a big milestone – so we are helping our customers to navigate this moment safely and confidently.”
