Online Safety

Introduction

The online world is rapidly developing and many of our children now have access to devices which enable them to connect to the internet, take images or video and communicate with others. While it is important not to obstruct them from developing skills by using these devices, it is essential that parents support their children in navigating the online world. Some of the issues related to primary pupils using the internet are

  • Accessing inappropriate content on the internet
  • Using 'mature' social networking sites, such as Facebook, and connecting with individuals they don't know
  • ​Being cyberbullied by others on the internet & phone apps
  • Using technology appropriately, e.g. webcams and cameras on mobile devices
  • Sharing personal information with others they don't know on the internet.
  • Playing video games with adult rating, e.g. Call of Duty.

The Department of Education have produced this useful document for parents. Advice for Parents and Carers on Cyberbullying

These are useful websites that provide advice on online safety issues

   The Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) Centre has set up its own educational website which has been designed and written specifically for children, young people, teachers, parents and carers.

  • www.childnet-int.org - A non-profit making organisation working directly with children, parents and teachers to ensure that the issues of online child protection and children’s safe and positive use of the internet are addressed.
  • https://www.internetmatters.org/resources/digital-resilience-toolkit/ - Helps parents to keep their kids safe.These are age specific resources to support parents in having conversations with their children on how to stay safe online.
  • http://www.bbc.co.uk/cbbc/topics/stay-safe - The BBC site that has a number of games and videos about keeping safe
  • www.getsafeonline.org/ A beginners guide to using the Internet safely, including a quiz and some video tutorials about how to ‘stay safe’ online.  
  • www.bullying.co.uk - One in five young people have experienced bullying by text message or via email. This web site gives advice for children and parents on bullying  
  • www.chatdanger.com/ - This website is about the potential dangers with interactive services online like chat, IM, online games, email and on mobiles. It provides information, advice, true stories and games. The resource page also contains a number of links to other useful websites  
  • http://www.nspcc.org.uk/shareaware - information from the NSPCC. Help your child stay safe on social networks, apps and games