What is 'Online Safety'?

It is the safe use of Internet and electronic communications technologies.

How can you protect your child online? 

The internet is an amazing resource for children. It allows children to explore, play and problem solve. However with technology, social media and the internet changing at such a fast pace it is extremely important that children are kept safe. If you understand the internet and understand what the risks are, there are a number of things you can do that will make your child safer online. There is a lot of information available to parents regarding eSafety on the Internet. Below there is a selection of links to information which we feel will help you to increase your knowledge and understanding of the Internet and what the risks are.

• e-Safety Kit for Families

• CEOP

Online Safety Websites for Parents,Guardians and Adults

(Please be aware that we have no control of the content that you may find on external websites) The Internet has become part of our everyday lives and is now easier to access than 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.

These dangers 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.

The links below are for your information, but also to share with your children if you feel that they are appropriate.

• Know It All Team

Gaming

Online gaming can offer many positive experiences. It can give children and young people the chance to escape into a virtual world, to learn, and to connect with others. However, there is a risk of children and young people viewing inappropriate content in games and being contacted by adults seeking to exploit them. Click the link below to find out more.

Keeping your child safe when they are gaming

Social Networking sites such as Facebook, Social networking and personal publishing.

• The school will control access to social networking sites, and consider how to educate pupils in their safe use.
• Newsgroups will be blocked unless a specific use is approved.
• Pupils will be advised never to give out personal details of any kind which may identify them, their friends or their location.
• Pupils and parents will be advised that the use of social network spaces outside school brings a range of dangers for primary aged pupils.

The following information is from Facebook

• The Facebook Privacy Policy states - No information from children under age 13.
• If you are under age 13, please do not attempt to register for Facebook or provide any personal information about yourself to us.
• If we learn that we have collected personal information from a child under age 13, we will delete that information as quickly as possible.
• If you believe that we might have any information from a child under age 13, please contact us through this help page.

If you have a concern about your child's safety when using the internet please talk to your class teacher.

Useful parent guides