Online Safety Day February 07/02/2023

Today in school we have been learning all about ways to keep safe online with all activities and celebrations based around the theme “Want to talk about it? Making space for conversations about life online”. Keeping young people safe online can seem like a daunting task but having a conversation about ways to keep safe is a great start. No one is an expert in the internet as it is moving at such a fast pace. Sitting down and starting a conversation about the internet, how it makes you feel and how to stay safe online with children at home is a great start. Below are also some useful tips on how you can keep your child/children safe online. We also really recommend you have a look at Childnet International online.

https://www.childnet.com/help-and-advice/parents-and-carers

• Set fair and consistent rules in relation to your child’s internet use at home. As they get older, try to agree the rules with them so that they have some control over their digital world. Teach your child to think critically about what they see, read or hear online. For young children encourage them to ask “What would mum or dad say about that?” As they get older, they need to be able to assess for themselves whether they are in a risky online place and whether the information they are receiving is reliable and helpful to them. 
• Maintain a positive outlook on your child’s use of the internet. Whatever you think about what they watch or the hours they spend on the internet, if you constantly criticise the apps or games they love, they are not going to want to talk to you about their online life. Remember if something happens online at home don’t get mad, get curious. 
• Children who can recover from an online mistake can learn and avoid making the same mistake again. You can help by making it easy for them to talk to you about their mishaps. Think carefully about blocking apps or websites. This can exacerbate the problem. Making sure they know where to go for help if they need it, and recognising if they are not recovering well so you can step in and help. Don’t forget you can always talk to school if you have any concerns. 
• Allow your child to explore and take charge of their online life. Having some control over any given situation is an important part of resilience – and such an important part of digital resilience. It’s essential in helping them understand and develop their own sense of what’s right and wrong online.

Following recent media warnings regarding internet safety and keeping your child safe online,  please click the below link which provides important information regarding this: