Our children love to use the internet especially to play games and to communicate with their friends. The way they start using computers and the guidance they are given at this young age can set them on the right path to being safer in later life.
At our school we ensure that our children are taught the basic tips of Internet Safety in every year group.
Paul Hay who is an expert in Internet Safety works with the teachers to lead an assembly and run class lessons.
For the younger years, we use a cartoon which was created by the Child Exploitation and Online Protection agency (CEOPs).
You can see the cartoon on YouTube by clicking here.
It tells the children the 4 Top Tips they need to remember.
- Top Tip 1: People you don’t know are strangers. They’re not always who they say they are.
- Top Tip 2: Be nice to people on the computer like you would in the playground.
- Top Tip 3: Keep your personal information private.
- Top Tip 4: If you ever get that ‘uh oh’ feeling, you should tell a grown-up you trust.
Click here to download and print your own poster
For the older year groups, we had a special lesson to help them understand social media and how to be careful using it.
They were shown a video to help understand.
You can see that video on YouTube by clicking here
We also held sessions for parents. It is important for all parents to learn about how children use the internet so they can carry on the discussion with their own children at home.
Paul has provided links to useful sites to learn more about Internet Safety and watch other related videos. Here is the site
www.pclstraining.com/links
Paul is also happy for parents to contact him with any questions you may have.
paul.hay@pclstraining.com
Useful websites
An organisation called Parentzone have created a great magazine for parents to help them understand how young people use the internet and provide help.
For age appropriate videos on the topic of E-Safety, please click below:
http://www.ceopeducation.co.uk
Smartphone Free
Smartphones are now a necessary part of our adult lives, however there is a mountain of evidence which shows how smartphones can have a negative impact on young people's wellbeing, mental health and safety which presents a significant safeguarding risk for primary age children.
At Lowbrook Academy we prioritise the mental health and wellbeing of every pupil by fostering empathy, social skills and community.
Lowbrook Academy is a smartphone-free school
Click here to view Lowbrook's Smartphone information evening
Smartphone & Digital Safety Parent Workshop
https://www.smartphonefreechildhood.org/
Parent Guides
For Parents and Caregivers navigating the digital world can be a minefield. Below are some useful resources to support you in keeping your child safe online.
https://www.papayaparents.com/
https://www.internetmatters.org/parental-controls/
https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/
https://www.childnet.com/parents-and-carers/
Let's Talk About Life Online
12 Smartphone Tips
Apple & iPad Parent Control Guide
Online Safety for Under 5's
Safe Online Set Up Checklist for Parents
Parents and Carers Online Safety Resources
Safe & Healthy Online Habit
Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP)
The National Crime Agency's Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) helps children and young people. CEOP offers help if a young person (up to 18) has been forced or tricked into taking part in sexual activity with anyone online or in the real world. CEOP also offer advice and resources to support with online problems young people might face, such as cyberbullying and hacking.