Online Safety

Last updated: 29th January 2024 (update: added AI Chatbot information)

ALWAYS TELL A TRUSTED ADULT IF SOMETHING MAKES YOU FEEL UNCOMFORTABLE ONLINE.

WHAT IS ONLINE SAFETY?

In its simplest form, Online Safety is all about staying safe when using digital devices and services. It is essential that children feel comfortable using the Internet and understand the important, and forever increasing, role that it plays in modern-day life. Children seem to be accessing more and more online services and even younger ages. It is therefore vital that children understand how to stay safe online and protect themselves from potential threats, dangers, distressing or harmful content, and radicalisation.

This regularly-updated section of our website is aimed at helping parents/carers become familiar with aspects of Online Safety and how to support their children in the most effective ways possible. It’s important to remember that we don’t teach children to swim by showing them a video – we put them in the water and help them develop the skills to remain safe. The same applies with Online Safety – children won’t develop the necessary skills if we don’t let them use the Internet and online services, and learn to deal with potential dangers as they arise. Communication is key: we must always encourage children to talk and to report a trusted adult.

WHAT CAN I USE TO HELP ME?

Children are taught about Online Safety throughout their time at the school, and they leave with a good knowledge of how to reduce threats and keep themselves as safe as possible. However, it is an area that benefits greatly from additional input and reinforcement at home - hence why we have provided this page and hope that you find it extremely useful. 

Of course, there is also the number one best-selling book PENGUINPIG and MONKEYCOW written by our very own Mr Spendlow, which has also toured the UK as a stage production too, highlighting key messages about reliability on the Internet. Both books deliver a strong message about Online Safety to children between the ages of 3-7 in a fun and engaging way.

WHAT ARE THE LATEST TRENDS?

Additionally, there are some great guides for parents and carers on understanding (or even just getting a basic grasp of) certain trends. These are vital reading and have been kindly produced by National Online Safety. These guides discuss Parental Controls but our advice is simple: if you're unsure how to access parental controls on a certain app, game or device, Google it because there's probably an article or YouTube video out there showing you exactly how to do it step-by-step. 

WHAT IF MY CHILDREN KNOW MORE ABOUT TECHNOLOGY THAN ME?

It’s not necessarily about knowing how technologies work or even how to operate them, but more about understanding their uses and the dangers that could be associated with them.  The good news, however, is that Childnet International has a dedicated section for parents/carers which includes:

• Conversation starters to discuss Online Safety with your children
• Hot Topics on issues affecting youngsters online these days
• A glossary of internet terms and abbreviations
• Help on how to make a report online, including links to the Child Exploitation Online Protection (CEOP) Centre

To access these resources, click here to visit Childnet.

The NSPCC also have excellent guidance for parents on discussing aspects of Online Safety with their children. They offer tried and tested strategies as well as providing support for various scenarios that you may be concerned are affecting your child. Click here to visit the NSPCC page for parents and carers.

Don't forget to also download the latest edition of #DITTO. This is a FREE digital magazine from online safety expert, Alan Mackenzie. You can download the latest edition here. We will also send out regular parental support videos by Alan as part of our newsletters, and he visits the school annually to deliver both staff and parent workshops. Check our school calendar for specific dates.

As well as all of the resources listed here, there are many organisations, charities and companies that can offer support and advice around the subject of Online Safety. If you have concerns or wish to discuss anything further, please make an appointment to speak with Mr Spendlow.

Finally, the image below can help provide an easy way in to a discussion with children. The best way of approaching the subject of Online Safety is be overt - the moment children know they're being monitored in a covert way, they hide their activity and are less likely to approach an adult in the event of danger.

In terms of Tik Tok (an increasingly popular platform being used by children), a parental account can be paired to help monitor your child's activity. This is essential as it’s so difficult to shield inappropriate content on platforms such as Tik Tok. More information on this process can be found by clicking here.