Online safety
All children use computers at school, at home or in places like libraries and clubs, and Sandbach Primary Academy is keen to use the benefits of the internet to support children’s learning.
The internet provides children with excellent opportunities for learning and communicating with friends. But sometimes, children don’t realise that they can be as much at risk online as they are in the real world, and many parents/carers feel they don’t know enough about the internet to protect their children from the risks.
How to keep your child safe on the internet
- Talk to your child about their internet use. Your involvement is the best way to keep them safe.
- Be Positive! The internet is a fantastic resource, but just like in the real world you need to take some precautions. Do not stop your child from using the internet.
- Try not to overreact! This could simply make your child secretive about their internet use and make it harder to talk.
- Remember that this safety advice also applies to going online on a mobile phone.
- Talk to your child and set ground rules together.
- Where possible, locate all computers in a family room.
- Make sure that your child knows to NEVER reveal any personal contact details.
- Share the Top Tips for Staying Safe below with your child.
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Top tips for staying safe online
- Remember that everyone you meet online is a stranger, even though they might seem like a friend.
- Always give out a nickname when you log on and never give out any details that would allow someone you meet online to contact you. This includes your full name, home or school address, email address and phone numbers.
- If you publish a picture of yourself online, remember anyone can change it or share it, or use it to try and contact you.
- Never arrange to meet up alone with anyone you make friends with online, but if you are going to make sure you take an adult you trust and meet in a public place.
- Accepting emails or opening files from people that you don’t really know can get you into trouble – they may contain viruses or nasty messages.
- Talk to an adult you know well and ask for help if you are upset or worried about anything you have been sent online.
- Parent information about Apps and Social Media (see files below for information on this)
What is cyber-bullying?
Cyber-bullying is a term that is used to describe bullying by one or more people that uses the internet or mobile phones to threaten, tease or cause deliberate embarrassment to someone. Like any other form of bullying, it can be very distressing for a child or adult to be the subject of cyber-bullying.
Cyber-bullying can involve various different methods, but some of the main ways are:
- Social networking sites
- Mobile phones
- Chatrooms or Instant Messenger
- Online gaming
If you are worried that your child is experiencing cyber-bullying or your child has told you that they are being cyber-bullied by a child in our school, please speak to a member of our staff in school.
Parental controls
Do you have parental controls in place?
Use this LINK HERE to find out about appropriate parental controls and filters
Computers and other digital technologies like games consoles and mobile phones have parental controls. These let you do things like:
- block selected websites and email addresses by adding them to a filter list
- set time limits for use
- make sure the computer is in a family room
- prevent your child from searching certain words
Before you set rules you can check the equipment’s user manual or the manufacturers’ websites to see what controls you have access to. You can also contact your internet service provider (ISP) or mobile phone operator to find out about any child safety measures they offer.
Setting rules with your child
When making a set of rules for using the internet, it’s a good idea to include your child. Being involved will help them understand the dangers and give them a sense of responsibility. It will also let them know what kind of websites you think are suitable.
The best way to keep your child safe online is to get on the internet yourself to learn how they use it. This will help you to set reasonable rules.
Acceptable internet use
Guide to social networking and keeping you child safe online CLICK HERE
Some examples of acceptable use might include:
- The internet-connected computer must be in a family room with the screen facing outward so you can see what's going on.
- If your child accidentally goes to an unsuitable website they should tell you - you can delete it from the 'history' folder and add the address to the parental control filter list.
- It's never OK to use abusive or threatening language in any online communication.
- Your child should take breaks from the computer every 30 minutes for health and safety reasons.
- Your child shouldn't download unknown files from the internet without you agreeing - it’s best to never download unknown files at all.
You can find lots more information about keeping your child safe by using the links below
Parent zone is a comprehensive, free resource for schools covering are range of safeguarding topics and information about apps.
Newsround - Caught in the web - a newsround special on internet saftey
Think u know - E-safety advice and information for 8 - 10 year olds.
CHILDNET- How to stay safe online
Bullying UK - What is cyberbullying?
DIrectgov - A guide for parents and how to stay safe online
Kidsmart - How to stay safe when using social networking sites. (For all ages)
Microsoft security-How to keep your childs browsers safe and protect their computer from viruses.
CBBC - a Child friendly website explaining how to stay safe online
Think u Know- Information for 4-7 year olds on how to use your computer safely and responsibly.
Parents Ultimate Guide to TikTok