// John Lewis has partnered with Internet Matters to help families navigate online safety for children, tweens and teens

// Staff will have the skills to equip parents and carers with the knowledge, skills and tools needed to benefit children safely from connected tech

John Lewis has become the first department store in the UK to offer specialist advice to families on internet safety, teaming up with Internet Matters.

The high street stalwart has teamed up with the online safety organisation to train staff in its 34 stores to become experts in family technology.

Employees will also help to support parents and carers with the safe and secure set-up and use of electronic devices.

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John Lewis said store staff would be able to equip parents and carers with the knowledge, skills and tools needed to 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 well-being.

The move follows a recent John Lewis survey of 1,000 parents which found that over two-thirds of respondents were concerned about their children’s safety online and 58% wanted to learn more about safety features on their child’s electronic devices.

John Lewis customer director Charlotte Lock 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.”

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