Being 'online' can be an excellent way for children to learn more about the world, discover new talents and interests and stay in touch with their friends, however it can also bring risks. It is important, as parents and carers, to talk with your child about staying safe online and about the apps and sites they’re using.
Remember, children can and do access the internet without using a traditional computer – smart-phones, games consoles and an increasing range of other devices allow children to get online. This exploration is not necessarily harmful but if unsupervised and unmonitored can result in them encountering inappropriate material or unknown people which can upset or confuse them.
As a school we recommend that for all of our children, there should always be responsible adult monitoring what children are accessing when online.
The poster below may be a good starting point for a conversation about online safety, as it lists 5 top tips to help stay SMART when online.
'Keeping Children Safe Online' Newsletters
Below are links to newsletters for parents and carers, to give you some top tips, advice and information concerning social media apps and games to help you continue to keep your children safe whilst they online.
The sites below include online safety tips, advice and resources you can use at home:
NSPCC: Helpful advice and tools you can use to help keep your child safe whenever and wherever they go online.
INTERNET MATTERS: Supports parents and professionals with comprehensive resources and expert guidance to help them navigate the ever-changing world of child internet safety.
UK SAFER INTERNET CENTRE: Provides guides and resources for parents to help keep your child safe online.
DIGITAL PARENTING: Helping your family live a happy and safe digital life.
PARENTZONE: A number of guides that focus on 'trending' apps and games, and advice for parents helping their children respond to upsetting news and world events.
THINK YOU KNOW: The National Crime Agency's CEOP Education team aim to help protect children and young people from online child sexual abuse. They do this through their education programme, providing training, resources and information to professionals working with children, young people and their families.
Child Exploitation and Online Protection
CEOP Safety Centre: Here you can make a report to one of CEOP's Child Protection Advisors.
This video gives an introduction to 'Think You Know' for parents and carers: