Online Safety
The Internet has become part of our everyday lives and is now easier to access then ever before. Use of the Internet can also have risks. Young people are more at risk of exposure to inappropriate or criminal behaviour if they are unaware of the dangers. In school, each year group learns about Online Safety in age-appropriate unit as part of their Computing curriculum. There are posters and displays reminding them of the Responsible Internet Use rules in our computer suite, and they are reminded of the rules as part of their class discussions and activities throughout the year.
Risks on the internet include:
- viewing unsuitable content e.g. hate material, adult content, sites that endorse unhealthy behaviour
- giving out personal information
- arranging to meet an online "friend"
- becoming involved in, or the victim of, bullying, identity theft, or making and sending indecent or illegal images
- spending too much time online (internet addiction), which can effect concentration, sleep and health
- copying information from the Internet or buying work from other people to use as their own.
Some tips to help stay safe on Social Media:
- Do not accept requests or respond to anyone you don't know.
- If you receive an unpleasant message or video - Save it. Show an adult immediately. Do not respond to it. Do not share it in any way. Don't say or video anything unkind to anyone.
- Don't spend too long on your mobile device per day.
- Parents should be aware of all activity on their child's device.
- Don't sleep with your phone in your bedroom.
- Be advised that most social media accounts have a minimum age of 13.
Our Online Safety Rules
- Keep your personal information safe (this includes your whole name, address, phone number and email address).
- Protect your password (only you should know it).
- Remember that not everyone online is who they say they are (be aware of strangers pretending to be someone else).
- Never meet up with somebody that you have met online and report anyone who asks to meet up with you to your parents, teacher, CEOP or Childline.
- Never open emails from people that you don't know in case they contain a virus that can damage your computer.
- Keep your online accounts private so that only your friends (and not strangers) can see what you post.
- Think carefully before uploading photos online. Any photo you upload online could become the property of the website you uploaded it to and anyone will be able to use it. Only upload photos that belong to you and ask permission before you upload photos that include other people.
- Always ask permission to go online from your grown-up and let them know which sites you are using.
- Be kind and polite to anyone you speak to or message online. Remember that saying unkind or untrue things about another person online is still bullying and still hurts feelings just as much. Be aware that what you say or do online can be tracked, even if you delete the comment.
- If you see anything online that makes you feel uncomfortable, tell an adult that you trust. This could be your parents or carers, your teacher, Childline or CEOP.
Below are lots of resources to help your child with online safety.
4–7 year olds – Jessie and Friends (CEOP)
This series of three animations aims to give 4-7 year olds knowledge, skills and confidence to help them respond safely to risks they may encouner online.
8-10 year olds – Play Like Share (CEOP)
This three-episode animation for 8-10 year olds helps them to learn how to spot pressuring and manipulative behaviour online and to stay safe from other risks they may encounter online.
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