Online Safety
Parents/Online Safety Information
Most parents will want to reduce the risks to their children, and remembering to set parental controls can reduce the risks to children, and reduce the risk to parents when children accidentally spend online money! The internet matters website explains this quite well. Online safety is not just about protecting children from some of the dangers of the internet – it is also about helping them manage their use of technology and most of the parental controls allow adults to set a maximum time for the use of a device or app.
Internet Matters is a site paid for by many British companies. It has a lot of good advice on adding parental controls as well as on most aspects of online safety. Parental controls will only help keep children safe. The best safety feature that a child has is their parent or carer. Take the time to talk to your child about the apps and games they are using and don’t be afraid to say no sometimes!
The range of online apps changes on a regular basis and the NSPCC have a site called Net Aware. This provides unbiased up-to-date information on current apps and sites along with advice to parents about dealing with issues.
The NSPCC also provide advice to parents and have a free helpline by calling 0808 800 5000 or emailing help@NSPCC.org.uk.
ThinkUKnow is the website aimed at children and their parents from the National Crime Agency. It has lots of useful suggestions and advice on how to report issues. It also has lots of games and activities including Jessie and Friends for the younger children and Band Runner for the older ones.
For the youngest children being tricked into sharing pictures can be an issue. LGfL have produced a lovely free video which has some great advice and a very catchy song!
Many children will at times suffer from online bullying. It is really important that they have someone they can talk to and know that it is not acceptable. Most apps and sites will have systems inn place that allow bullying to be reported. Your child’s school may be able to help.
Children can call Childline on 0800 1111 for advice on anything that is worrying them.
Finally since 2015 is has been a criminal offence for an adult to send a message with sexual content to a child (This is Section 67 of the Serious Crime Act 2015). If you are concerned that this might have happened please contact The Police without further using the device. This will help ensure that evidence can be preserved. The Police can be contacted by phone or from the ThinkUKnow website.
Please see our policy section for our current Online Safety policy.
We also recommend these websites for further information:
2BeSafe has been carefully designed to meet the guidance set out in the Department for Education’s Education for a Connected World framework. This framework identifies eight key areas that aim to equip children and young people for life in an increasingly digital world.
The 2BeSafe programme offers comprehensive coverage of these areas for primary-aged pupils, from Reception through to Year 6. It has been carefully designed to ensure that all aspects of the Education for a Connected World are taught in depth and at appropriate stages throughout a child’s primary education.
Each objective is delivered through a short, focused session lasting approximately 15–20 minutes. These sessions include a range of engaging activities designed to promote discussion, critical thinking and deeper reflection, helping to raise awareness of the importance of staying safe online.
Lessons are structured so they can be delivered to the whole class, with opportunities for children to take part in group, paired or independent activities to reinforce their learning. These may include quizzes, discussion-based tasks or written reflections.
Information for Parents
Below are some useful information pages to support parents in understanding the different themes covered within 2BeSafe and how to help keep children safe online at home.