Online Safety

How can we help children be safe online?  

At the Academy we filter out anything which may be inappropriate for children to view and focus on using the iPads for online research and for learning in class.

Outside the Academy the responsibility falls to parents and carers to oversee how children communicate safely online.

These helpful hints and tips have been shared by the NAHT and Family Action to guide both parents and children to get the best from the internet without compromising their safety.

• Technology is constantly changing and young people are continually learning - keep up to date on latest development so you know about possible risks.
• Online safety applies to all types of devices - PCs, laptops, tablets, smartphones, e-readers and online gaming.
• As technology becomes ever more portable, set rules for where you child might use their device.
• Treat online safety exactly as you would any other kind of safety - e.g. crossing roads, stranger danger etc.
• Set up your internet security so that your children can't access adult and inappropriate content
• Don't write anything online that you wouldn't say in person.  Comments on social media and/or public web pages can reflect badly on your child.
• Be aware of the IT policies and only safety regulations put in place by schools and colleges and stick to them.
• Treat cyber bullying exactly as you would any other form of bullying - report it and agree a plan for dealing with it.
• Be aware that 'sexting' can involve children as young as only 10 years old.
• Make sure your child knows he/she can talk to you about anything which they feel uncomfortable about online.

How can we talk to children about online safety?  

• Ask where they think it may or may not be acceptable to use an online device.
• Ask who they would tell if something online was making them sad or confused or otherwise uncomfortable.
• Agree how long could be spent online each day and how long taking part in play with others or getting physical exercise.
• Talk about passwords and the importance of keeping these private, changing them regularly and not writing them down.
• Agree boundaries - what should and should not be shared online?
• Talk about bullying - what it is and how to deal with it - take screen grabs of anything you may need to report.
• Who are 'friends'?  Who are 'real life friends' and who are 'online friends'?  What rules or guidelines can be set around sharing with them?

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