Online Safety Advice

Our children are growing up in a world of ever-changing technology. While we feel that the use of technology is a largely positive aspect of modern life, we cannot ignore the risks that can also be associated.

Throughout school, we aim to teach children:

• about the impact of cyber-bullying 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 and being sensible about what they share.
• to tell an adult they trust if something online upsets them.
• to question the reliability of information given on a web-based source.
• to search responsibly for information while using internet browsers.
• and more! 

We deliver these important lessons about online safety through regular PSHE and Computing lessons, as well as celebrating special events in school such as the annual 'Safer Internet Day'.

Safer Internet Day

Safer Internet Day is celebrated across the globe in over 170 countries, with thousands of young people joining in across the UK to explore how they can use the internet responsibly, respectfully, and creatively whilst making the most of their relationships online. It is a great opportunity to focus on online safety with your child – whether that’s by using some of the quick activities available on the website below, asking your child about what they like to do online, or using their favourite app or game with them. You can also support Safer Internet Day on social media, tell your friends and family about the day, or ask your child for their top tips for staying safe online. Find out more here: https://saferinternet.org.uk/safer-internet-day/

How you can support your child at home:

We understand that much of our pupils’ use of the internet will occur at home, away from our school filters.

Below are a list of useful websites, advice and resources that you may find helpful when navigating the issue of online safety with your child. At the bottom of this page are resources that your child can access directly to help them learn about online safety.

Useful resources and links for parents:

Thinkuknow https://www.ceopeducation.co.uk/parents/
Thinkuknow is 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.

National Online Safety https://nationalonlinesafety.com/resources/platform-guides/
National Online Safety's mission is to make the internet a safer place for children. These handy guides for parents and educators aim to make learning about online safety accessible for busy lifestyles. Each guide is also available as a podcast!

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.

CEOP http://ceop.police.uk/safety-centre/
Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) is part of the National Crime Agency. This website can be used to report if you are worried about online abuse or the way someone is communicating online.

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.

Safer Internet Centre https://www.saferinternet.org.uk/advice-centre/parents-and-carers

This website offers tips, advice, guides and resources to help keep parents keep children safe online, such as parents' guides to technology, and resources specifically written for parents. 

Ask about Games https://www.askaboutgames.com/

This website answers questions parents and players have about video game age ratings, provide advice on how to play games safely and responsibly, and offer families helpful tips to ensure they get the most out of the games they enjoy together.

Parentsafe https://www.parentsafe.lgfl.net

This website, from the London Grid for Learning, is full of great resources including conversation starters, story time ideas and top tips to reinforce key online safety messages.

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/

The apps included are:

• Fortnite
• Instagram
• Snapchat
• YouTube
• Minecraft
• Clash of Clans & Clash Royale
• Kik
• Friv
• Dubsmash
• Wink
• YOLO
• TikTok
• And many, many more

Resources for children to use:

Below are some links that children themselves can access for help when navigating the tricky subject of online safety.

Reception – Year 2

These links are tailored for children in the younger year groups:
https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/5_7/ 
https://www.netsmartzkids.org/
https://www.childnet.com/resources/smartie-the-penguin

Year 3 – Year 6

These links are more suitable for our older children:
https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/8_10/
https://www.nsteens.org/

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.