Online Safety Info for Parents

At St. William’s Catholic Primary School, we ensure that all children are taught how to conduct themselves correctly when using the internet or any form of technology. In specific lessons, children explore different online safety scenarios and how to act in differing situations.

 

'SMART' rules


Our practice is based around the ‘SMART’ rules. These are:


S is for SAFE:

Keep safe by being careful not to give out personal information when you’re chatting or posting online. Personal information includes your email address, phone number and password.


M is for MEETING:

Meeting someone you have only been in touch with online can be dangerous. Only do so with your parents’ or carers’ permission and even then, only when they can be present. Remember online friends are still strangers even if you have been talking to them for a long time.


A is for ACCEPTING:

Accepting emails, IM messages, or opening files, pictures or texts from people you don’t know or trust can lead to problems – they may contain viruses or nasty messages!


R is for RELIABLE:

Someone online might lie about who they are and information on the internet may not be true. Always check information with other websites, books or someone who knows. If you like chatting online it’s best to only chat to your real-world friends and family.


T is for TELL:

Tell your parent, carer or a trusted adult if someone or something makes you feel uncomfortable or worried, or if you or someone you know is being bullied online.


Parent Information- How can you help at home?

 

We understand that much of our pupil’s use of the internet will occur at home, away from school filters.

Below are a list of useful websites, advice and resources that you and your child may find helpful when navigating the issue of online safety.


Safer Internet Day


Safer Internet Day is a great opportunity to engage in some activities with your children at home. 

For Top Tips for Parents and Carers click on the following link:

https://saferinternet.org.uk/guide-and-resource/parents-and-carers

 

Thinkuknow http://www.thinkuknow.co.uk
Thinkuknow is an education programme from the National Crime Agency’s CEOP Command. Since 2006, it aims to ensure that everyone has access to this practical information – children, young people, their parents and carers and the professionals who work with them. 


Internet Matters https://www.internetmatters.org/advice/esafety-leaflets-resources/
A comprehensive web resource with a wide array of tips and advice on how to navigate the online world with your child. Some of their guidance we attach below but you can find even more by visiting the link. 


National Online Safety https://nationalonlinesafety.com/resources/platform-guides/
National Online Safety's mission is to make the internet a safer place for children. They aim to do this by equipping school staff, parents and children with the knowledge they need to understand online dangers and how best to react should an incident arise. The link above provides up to date information about a wide variety of social media apps and platforms your child might be using.


NSPCC http://www.nspcc.org.uk/preventing-abuse/keeping-children-safe/share-aware/
The NSPCC are the first to admit that the internet is amazing. Children can play, learn, create and connect - opening up a whole world of exciting possibilities. But with the digital world changing all the time, how can you make sure your child’s staying safe? That’s where the NSPCC come in. Whether you’re an online expert or you’re not sure where to start, their tools and advice will help you keep your child safe.


Childnet http://www.childnet.com/parents-and-carers
Childnet International is a registered UK charity that aims to make the internet a safe place for children and young people. Packed with resources it is a great resource for parents.


CEOP http://ceop.police.uk/safety-centre/
Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) is part of the National Crime Agency and their website can be used to report if you are worried about online abuse or the way someone is communicating online.


BBC  https://www.bbc.com/ownit
The BBC have a website and app called Own It. The website has a lot of content for children to help them navigate their online lives, and the free smartphone app comes with a special keyboard which can intervene with help and support in the moments that children need it the most.


SafetoNet https://safetonet.com/
SafeToNet is technology that educates children “in-the-moment” as they use their device. It is a safeguarding assistant that helps them become responsible and safe digital citizens. Its power lies in a smart keyboard that detects risks in real-time. It steers children away from trouble by filtering harmful outgoing messages before they can be sent and any damage can be done.

 

A guide to Apps & Social Media


The number of apps and social media channels your child could be exposed to grow all the time, as does an app's functionality. We recommend you visit Net Aware to read the latest and most current advice on over 70 apps to ensure you know what they do, how you can limit their features as well as recommended age restrictions.

https://www.net-aware.org.uk/

The apps included are:

  • Fortnite
  • Instagram
  • Snapchat
  • YouTube
  • Minecraft
  • Clash of Clans & Clash Royale
  • Kik
  • Friv
  • Dubsmash
  • Wink
  • YOLO
  • TikTok
  • And many, many more

 

Resources for children to use


Below are some links that children themselves can access for help when navigating the tricky subject of online safety.

Reception – Year 2:


Here are a number of links that are tailored for children in the younger year groups.
 https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/5_7/ 
 https://www.netsmartzkids.org/
 https://www.childnet.com/resources/smartie-the-penguin

 

Year 3 – Year 6:

Here are links more suitable for older children.
 https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/8_10/
 https://www.nsteens.org/


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