Children use the internet all the time for learning which is why it is necessary to make sure that they are safe. If you require any help in ensuring your child stays safe online please feel free to speak to any member of staff.

 

Monthly Online Safety Newsletters

Online Safety Guidance

The internet for many parents can be a daunting place but to our children it is a necessity of life. Access to the internet has never been so vast and continues to spread with the increasing popularity of tablets devices and access through mobile phones. To support you in protecting your child on line there are some useful links below to sites with tips and guidance:

 

Parental Online Safety Guides

For Parental Guides, courses and free resources, head to National Online Safety

 

Parent Information

Parent’s Guide to Tech: From laptops to mobile phones to smart TVs, this link will give you lots of guidance and help in choosing what to purchase and what you need to be aware of:

Fortnite: Fortnite continues to remain ever popular with nearly 250 million players! Fortnite is rated PEGI 12 for frequent mild violence which means it is not suitable for persons under 12 years of age. The following links will provide you with further information about this game:

YouTube: Does your child use YouTube?  Here are some hints and tips on how to keep them safe whilst using it:

Helplines: There are many organisations set up to provide you or your child with advice should you need it. Hereare just some of the organisations that can help you:

ChildLine: Call 0800 1111 https://www.childline.org.uk/
NSPCC: Call 0808 800 5000 https://www.nspcc.org.uk
Samaritans: Call 116 123 https://www.samaritans.org/
Bullying UK: Call 0808 800 2222 https://www.bullying.co.uk/

Social Media

You can find some practical guidance for parents and carers whose children are using social media by clicking here.

Facebook is the most popular Social Networking site on the internet.  It was launched in 2004 and has an estimated 1.94 billion users.  You can find more information about how to protect yourself online, how to report issues and how to deactivate your account here.

Instagram is a photograph and video sharing application and is particularly popular with children and teenagers.  For further guidance of how you can stay safe when using Instagram, how to report any issues or how to deactivate your account click here.

Musical.ly allows users to create, share and discover new videos.  It allows users to create short videos of themselves dancing, performing or lip-syncing to music and to share them online via their app.  As with other social media sites users can set their profiles to private or public.

Snapchat is a messenger app that allows you to send photos, videos, text and drawings.  The unique feature of Snapchat is that the message only stays on the recipient’s phone for a matter of seconds.

Whatsapp is a free messenger app that enables users to send messages, images, video and audio using the internet and is popular amongst children.  Further information on how to restrict access to whatsapp can be found here.

Where to Report?

Report Harmful Content: Reporting centre designed to assist everyone in reporting harmful content online.

Internet Watch Foundation: You can report sexual images of under 18s online directly to the Internet Watch Foundation.

CEOP: If you are worried about online sexual abuse or the way someone has been communicating online. 

 

KS1 top tips for staying safe online:

KS2 top tips for staying safe online:

A few ways that you could protect your child are:

Parental controls – parental controls allows you to limit the websites that your child can access when they are on the internet. This will stop them from accessing any inappropriate websites

Keep the computer where you can see it – By doing this you will be able to see what they are looking at and know if click on anything inappropriate or try to talk to someone they don’t know.

Pop-up Blocker – Pop-up blocker is an application installed for browsers to stop pop-ups from appearing while you are searching the internet. This is good as some pop-ups can lead to websites you don’t want your children visiting.

 

The staff understand  the risks involved for young people on the internet, be it Social Networking, Smartphones or Video Chat sites. The internet is an ever changing and evolving environment and we (parents, carers, teachers and support staff) must understand this and be able to give the children the best advice on how to use it safely, and where to go if they feel vulnerable or victimised. The CEOP button can be found on many websites and  will direct you to their page where you will be able to find help.

For more information please click CEOP:

 

Below are some links to websites with more information:

DfE Social Media Guidance

Think U Know – Information for 5 – 16 years olds as well as parents, carers and teachers.

Child Net – Getting to grips with digital issues

CBBC Stay Safe – Has videos about different things involving staying safe on the internet.

 

Relevant Policies:

 

Below are leaflets with guidance and support for parents on relevant digital issues:

Top Tips for Managing Screen Time

Top Internet Manners

Together We Can Stop Cyberbullying

Social Media Top Tips

Set Up Safe Checklist

Screen Time Guide

Online Safety Tips for Parents of 6-10 Year Olds

Online Safety Tips for Parents of 0-5 Year Olds

Online Safety Guide Online Gaming Top Tips

Live Streaming and Vlogging

How to Report Suicidal Content

How to Create a Great Environment for Kids to Talk

Helping Keep Children Safe Online

Grandparents Guide to Online Safety

Cyberbullying Advice

11-13-Conversation-Starters

6-10-Conversation-Starters

Online Safety Tips for Parents of 11-13 Year Olds

How to Report Suicidal Content

 

If you have any concerns in regards to Online Safety please contact our Online Safety Officer – Mrs Lyon