Online Safety
Helping your children to keep safe online is one of the most important lessons we can teach our children due to the many possible risks associated with internet use. Gone are the days where the family computer can be set up downstairs so parents can keep track of childrens' usage easily. Children are increasingly connected on a range of devices at home, friends' houses or anywhere through mobile networks or Wi-Fi hotspots.
We hope that this page will signpost you to some resources that may be of use to help parents understand the dangers, how to help protect your children and also how to begin conversations with your child around keeping safe.
Top online resources
|
|
Guide to screen addictions and responsible digital use Complete guide to screen addiction | Compare the Market
|
|
|
Common Sense Media reviews books, movies, TV shows, video games, apps, music (up until 2014 ), and websites and rates them in terms of age-appropriate educational content, positive messages/role models, violence, sex, consumerism, profanity, and more for parents making media choices for their children. |
 |
Think-You-Know for Parents Simple, 15-minute activity packs suitable for home learning. Activity pack content covers a range of age-appropriate online safety themes. Accompanying video guides for parents and carers provide advice and practical safety information on topics such as sharing images, live streaming and gaming. Short video guides for parents and carers: delivering online safety at home (thinkuknow.co.uk) |
 |
#StaySafeStayHome Online resources and advice to support familiesTo help families adjusting to a “new normal” following the measures taken to stop the spread of coronavirus, we’ve created this dedicated space to provide expert advice, resources and tools to make the best use of tech. |
|
|
Social networks, apps and games reviews by NSPCC and O2 Reviews of the most popular social networks, apps and games your kids are using. |
 |
The latest issue of digital parenting is available at the link below. The PDF is a large download. http://www.vodafone.com/content/digital-parenting/learning-and-fun/digital-parenting-magazine.html# |
|
|
What are the concerns? On the surface, nothing. TikTok has a reputation for being unusually free of trolling and danger. But you may have seen news reports or heard concerns about some users harassing children for nude images and videos. See the guide at the bottom of the page for more info. |
|
|
It may feel awkward, but it's important to explain to children the risks of sexting, how to stay safe and remind them that they can talk to you if something ever makes them feel scared or uncomfortable. |
|
|
A parents guide to Fortnite: Battle Royale 21 March 2018 In this blog we are giving guidance to parents about Fortnite, looking at what the game is and some of the things to be aware of. UK Safer Internet Centre |
|
|
As part of Safer Internet Day, this information bank gives advice on how to enable the safest features on many popular web services and apps such as instagram. |
|
|
An absolutly fantastic resource that lists the top apps that children use, a brief overview of what it is used for, some potential dangers and advice on privacy settings and parental controls.
|
|
|
Advice from the NSPCC on keeping you children safe whenever and whereever they go online. |
|
|
How to start the conversation with your child about staying safe online, and what to do if you're worried about online safety. |
|
|
"We know some parents feel confused by the internet. It’s constantly changing, and it can be hard to keep up with the latest apps and trends. It can be particularly tricky for parents of children aged 8-12. That’s the age when children start doing more online, becoming more independent and using different devices. So, we’ve put together this guide. To reassure you, and give you the information and advice you’ll need to keep your child safe online." |
|
|
"Many of us use the internet as part of our daily lives, for banking, shopping, socialising and entertainment. Follow the advice in this guide to help protect your personal data and keep you and your family safe online." |
|
|
A user-friendly, frequently updated quick reference for parents when discussing smartphones with their children. |
The NSPCC has some great resources click here
CEOP |
|
 |
The Click CEOP button (pictured right) is an asset of the National Crime Agency’s CEOP Command. The CEOP Command works to protect children from the harm of sexual abuse and exploitation both online and offline. |
8 top tips for staying safe online
Find out more about keeping things fun, safe and respectful when you're online.
The internet is an amazing place to be creative, chat with friends and find interesting fun stuff. You may spend a lot of time online, so it’s important to make the most of it and enjoy it whilst also being safe, sensible and respectful to others too. Here’s our guide to being smart about who you meet and what you do online.
Online friendships
Try to think of your online world as an extension of your offline friendships. Include friends in your activities, it can feel just as hurtful to be left out of online games or chat as offline ones. Be careful how you word things too, sometimes the written word can be misinterpreted. So whether it’s emails, texts or posts, be considerate to how they may come across. Save your important conversations, like resolving conflicts, for face to face meetings.
Be respectful
Be respectful of your friends on social media. Don’t post photos of them they might find embarrassing without asking first – and take them down straight away if someone asks you to. Try to be mindful of how your posts will make people feel before you put them up. You’ll care about what other people post about you – so be courteous to others too.
Be aware of your digital footprint
Every time you go online you leave what’s called a digital footprint which shows others where you are and what you have been doing. So while posting pictures and videos is great for sharing with friends and being creative, always remember that once an image or file is online it’s likely to stay there forever. Don’t post anything you wouldn’t want your grandmother to see.
Think before you post
Social media and some websites are great for airing your opinions and making the world a better place. However, be wary of writing negative posts. Ranting on the spur of the moment might feel good at the time but you may regret it later. Instead, try to put your point across in a positive or neutral way, it’ll have more impact and shouldn’t cause offence. Always remember that when you respond to something someone’s said, there’s a person at the other end who has feelings, just like you do.
Know who you’re dealing with
Socialising online can be fun, it’s a great way to keep in touch with friends and family. Lots of people only play or chat with people they know in person, and that’s a sensible approach. But if you do meet people you don’t know, use the same caution that you would offline. Always remember people may not be who they say they are, so be mindful about what you say about yourself. Keep chat general and if you are concerned that someone’s asking for personal details, then stop contact and tell a trusted adult. Never arrange to meet someone you only know online.
Protect your identity
When using the internet never give out personal information, such as your number, where you live or what school you go to – it’s a big no-no. If you are using social media check your privacy settings and make sure only friends can see your posts.
It’s not always real life
Always bear in mind that photos and posts can exaggerate real life. Think about it - we usually select the prettiest, happiest pictures (you rarely see posts about going to the supermarket with your mum or photos of a massive spot). Images of other people’s (carefully chosen) perfect lives can leave you feeling low, but they don’t tell the whole story, so try not to compare yourself.
Keep a healthy balance
The internet is a fantastic resource for research and schoolwork, but make sure you take regular breaks away from the screen. If you find yourself spending a lot of time online and even thinking about it when you’re offline (instead of spending time with friends or family) then maybe it’s time to back off a bit. There’s a whole world out there – and while the internet can be fun, creative and social, you could be missing out on real life, like hanging out with your real mates. It’s all about striking a good balance.
For information about organisations which can offer more advice on a range of issues, check out the advice helplines page.
You can also get more top tips for online happiness, watch the Lifebabblers' advice and discover why it's not always a good idea to believe everything you see online...
Click on the link to find out more
https://www.bbc.co.uk/cbbc/findoutmore/help-me-out-staying-safe-online