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Online Safety

How many times a day do you look at your phone?
How often do you use a device to help you carry out everyday tasks?

​Like it or not, it is almost impossible to live without technology.  With each passing day, month, year we become more reliant on it. Our children have been surrounded by technology since the day they were born.
And on the whole technology is brilliant! It is useful; it is fun; it is educational; it is enabling.
However… we must also teach our children how to navigate this world of technology. They must understand the dos and do nots; discern the fact from the fiction; to use it responsibly and most importantly to stay safe.
 
Throughout school we aim to teach children:
  • about online bullying and abuse and what to do if they have been affected.
  • to be vigilant when communicating online recognising that people may not always be who they say they are
  • to know what they can  and should share online
  • to question the reliability of information given through a web-based source.
  • to tell an adult they trust if something is upsetting them.
 
While we teach children all of this, the real test is how they behave when they are at home, away from the school filters and supervision.
 
Parents often feel out of their depth or that technology is too fast moving for them to keep up with. Below are a list of useful websites, advice and resources that we hope you find helpful when navigating the issue of online safety with your child.

Useful resources and links:

Thinkuknow http://www.thinkuknow.co.uk
An education programme from the National Crime Agency’s CEOP Command. Since 2006, it aims to ensure that everyone has access to this practical information – children, young people, their parents and carers and the professionals who work with them.
 
Internet Matters https://www.internetmatters.org/advice/esafety-leaflets-resources/
A comprehensive web resource with a wide array of tips and advice on how to navigate the online world with your child. Some of their guidance we attach below but you can find even more by visiting the link. 
 
National Online Safety https://nationalonlinesafety.com/resources/platform-guides/
National Online Safety’s mission is to make the internet a safer place for children. They aim to do this by equipping school staff, parents and children with the knowledge they need to understand online dangers and how best to react should an incident arise. The link above provides up to date information about a wide variety of social media apps and platforms your child might be using.
 
NSPCC http://www.nspcc.org.uk/preventing-abuse/keeping-children-safe/share-aware/
The NSPCC are the first to admit that the internet is amazing. Children can play, learn, create and connect – opening up a whole world of exciting possibilities. But with the digital world changing all the time, how can you make sure your child’s staying safe? That’s where the NSPCC come in. Whether you’re an online expert or you’re not sure where to start, their tools and advice will help you keep your child safe.
 
Childnet http://www.childnet.com/parents-and-carers
Childnet International is a registered UK charity that aims to make the internet a safe place for children and young people. Packed with resources it is a great resource for parents.
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CEOP http://ceop.police.uk/safety-centre/
Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) is part of the National Crime Agency and their website can be used to report if you are worried about online abuse or the way someone is communicating online.
 
BBC  https://www.bbc.com/ownit
The BBC have a website and app called Own It. The website has a lot of content for children to help them navigate their online lives, and the free smartphone app comes with a special keyboard which can intervene with help and support in the moments that children need it the most.
 
SafetoNet https://safetonet.com/
SafeToNet is technology that educates children “in-the-moment” as they use their device. It is a safeguarding assistant that helps them become responsible and safe digital citizens. Its power lies in a smart keyboard that detects risks in real-time. It steers children away from trouble by filtering harmful outgoing messages before they can be sent and any damage can be done.
Key Stage 1 Parent Meeting: Online Safety (Nov 2023)
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Presentation Slides (PDF)
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Recording of meeting (June 2023 - Video)
Year 3/4 Parent Meeting: Online Safety (Dec 2023)
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Presentation Slides (PDF)
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Recording of Meeting (Dec 2023)
Year 5&6 Parent Meeting:
Online Safety (Nov 2023)
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Presentation slides - available after the meeting
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Recording of meeting (Video)

A Guide to Apps & Social Media
The number of apps and social media channels your child could be exposed to grow all the time, as does an app’s functionality. We recommend you visit Net Aware to read the latest and most current advice on over 70 apps to ensure you know what they do, how you can limit their features as well as recommended age restrictions.   https://www.net-aware.org.uk/
Some of the apps included are:
  • Fortnite
  • Instagram
  • Snapchat
  • YouTube
  • Minecraft
  • Clash of Clans & Clash Royale
  • YOLO
  • TikTok
  • And many, many more
 

Parent Guides

Resources for Children 

Below are some links that children themselves can access for help when navigating the tricky subject of online safety.
 
Early Years & Key Stage 1 (Reception – Year 2) 
Key Stage 2  (Year 3 – Year 6)

Reporting Concerns

​If you or anyone you know is worried about Child Exploitation, Online Protection or anything related to Internet safety please click here to link to the CEOP reporting website. The  CEOP is a law enforcement agency and is here to keep children and young people safe from exploitation and abuse.

Setting up Devices

Here's a handy website. Just type in your device or broadband provider etc and it will find the instructions on how to set up parental controls/filters etc.   https://www.internetmatters.org/parental-controls/www.internetmatters.org/parental-controls/
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