Online Safety for Parents
The internet has changed all of our lives, particularly our children’s. For parents, guardians and carers this opens up a whole new world. As your child grows and becomes more independent, it is only natural that they take this independence online. With all of the potential that the online world and new technology offers, young people now have access to huge opportunities. They use technology to express themselves, explore, and be creative; it has changed the way they communicate.
Most of our pupils have access to the internet outside of school. For parents and carers alike we know that this creates a downside as it makes it extremely difficult for us to protect our children as they develop into responsible individuals. Social media sites make it extremely tempting for primary school age children to conduct their social life online. With this added pressure parents are under guidance is needed to make sure that their children act safely and responsibly.
Technology is a marvelous aid to learning and enjoyment but there are risks which we must all be aware of. Schools have strict filters on internet traffic at Service Provider level, we do not allow pupils to communicate with people outside of school and pupils are supervised when using the internet during the school day.
There is a wealth of information available about eSafety and the children’s use of the internet. This makes it incredibly difficult to get clear concise guidelines on how to approach eSafety. We have tried to put together some practical tips to help you ensure a safer and a more healthy use of technology at home.
What to tell your children
At school we educate your children about safety in computer lessons but it’s more important that parents know some key safety tips too. Children must be constantly reminded of the following:
Don’t post too much information about yourself online
Never share information like your last name, your address, your phone number or where you go to school. Any information you post online should be treated as if it’s available to everyone. Even if you’ve restricted settings to ‘Friends only’, the information that you have posted can always be shared or copied.
Only message or chat to people that you know in real life
There are some bad people who could pretend to be your friend. How do you know you can trust them? If someone tries to contact you, talk to your parents.
Assist parents with keeping their children safe at home when using electronic devices. E-safety is an important part of school education and it is important that parents are aware of how they can assist with e-Safety.
Think very carefully before posting photos
Photos can give away more information than you think: there could be something in the background that gives away where you live or a school book with your full name on it. Also silly pictures can always be shared and this could cause embarrassment. If in doubt, check with your parents before posting pictures.
Always be friendly
If you say something unkind about someone online you could find yourself in serious trouble. Messaging on the internet is not the same as talking face to face as it leaves a record of what has been said which makes it very difficult to retract any comments.
If something online makes you feel uncomfortable, get your parents/carer
If somebody says something to you, sends you something, or you see something that makes you uncomfortable; get your parent/carer straight away – they can discuss it with you and help make sure that it does not happen again.
MOMO Challenge
The MOMO challenge is causing some anxiety and concern for some children. If you require information please click here.
Or go to https://parentzone.org.uk/article/three-minute-briefing-momo-challenge
Please click the links below to find some top tips to help you and your children to stay safe online
https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/parents/
Parent factsheet re screen time: summer 2019
Online Safety presentation documents for your information
Young People and Social Networking Services
Keeping Under Fives Safe Online
Information for Parents and Carers
Net Aware is an online guide to social networking apps and games. It regularly reviews these apps and games to keep you up-to-date: Net Aware
