Online Safety
Online Safety Day February 06/02/2024
This year in school, we have been learning all about ways to keep safe online with a variety of activities and celebrations based around the theme“Inspiring change? Making a difference, managing influence and navigating change online".
We focused on a selection of activities that covered the aspects below:
- Young people’s perspective on new and emerging technology
- Using the internet to make change for the better
- The changes young people want to see online
- The things that can influence and change the way young people think, feel and act online and offline
Keeping young people safe online can seem like a daunting task but having a conversation about ways to keep them safe is a great start. No one is an expert on 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.
As a parent or carer you play a key role in helping your child to stay safe online.
You don’t need to be an expert on the internet to help keep your child stay safe online. Our advice and resources are here to support you as you support your child to use the internet safely, responsibly and positively. Use the website below to find guides and help sheets around a variety of subjects.
https://saferinternet.org.uk/guide-and-resource/parents-and-carers
Following recent media warnings regarding internet safety and keeping your child safe online, please click the below link which provides important information regarding this:
https://www.thatsnonsense.com/is-the-momo-challenge-real-or-an-online-hoax-fact-check/