Stay Safe Online
The internet is great….games, chat rooms and finding out information! We want you to be completely safe when using the internet so that you enjoy and use it properly.
Introduction
At Parklands Primary we believe that Computing is central to all aspects of learning; for adults and children in both the school and the wider community. Provision should reflect the rapid developments in technology.
Computing in the 21st Century is an essential resource to support learning and teaching, as well as playing an important role in the everyday lives of children, young people and adults. Consequently, we need to build in the use of these technologies in order to equip our young people with the skills to access lifelong learning and employment.
All children, whatever their needs, will have access to a range of up to date technologies in both the suite and classrooms. Computing is a life skill and should not be taught in isolation.
At Parklands Primary School, we understand the responsibility to educate our pupils on online safety issues; teaching them the appropriate behaviours and critical thinking skills to enable them to remain both safe and legal when using the internet and related technologies, in and beyond the context of the classroom.
Throughout school we aim to teach children:
- about the impact of cyber-bullying and what to do if they have been affected.
- to be vigilant when communicating online recognising that people may not always be who they say they are and to be sensible about what they share.
- to tell an adult they trust if something is upsetting them.
- to question the reliability of information given through a web based source.
- to search responsibly for information while using internet browsers.
‘Schools are finding that a blocking and banning approach, which merely limits exposure to risk, may no longer be a sustainable approach… Schools need to focus on a model of empowerment; equipping children with the skills and knowledge they need to use technology safely and responsibly, and managing the risks’
(Becta Safeguarding Children Online Feb 2009)
At Parklands we follow the SMART Rules:
Top Tips
Online Safety Top Tips for Parents
- Keep the computer in a family area not in the child’s bedroom.
- Use ‘child lock’ or filter settings on your Web browser to help prevent unsuitable site access by your child.
- Regularly supervise the sites your child is visiting.
- Encourage your child to use their Favourites list to access the sites you have approved to prevent accidental entry to unsuitable sites.
- Discourage your child from using social Networking sites e.g. MSN, Facebook, Bebo etc. to keep them safe from cyber bullying.
- Teach your child to switch the monitor off or close the laptop lid, then fetch or tell you if something unsuitable appears on the screen. This is what we do in school.
- Agree with older children what sites they are allowed to access.
- Keep all personal details private and be aware of stranger danger.
- Above all, encourage your child to talk to you about the web sites and electronic devices they are using at home and school.
Stop, Speak, Support – Cyberbullying guidance for children
New code helps children tackle cyberbullying – Created by young people for young people, the code offers simple steps to take positive action to deal with cyberbullying.
Social Networking
One of the fastest growing areas of internet use today is social networking. There are over 3,000 social networking sites on the internet. This is changing the way that we communicate. On most of these sites, it is incredibly easy to communicate with our friends, in many cases, sharing lots of personal information and photographs.
These three common social network sites all have age limits:
- Facebook and Bebo set their age limit at 13.
- MySpace set their limit at 14.
There are some things to remember when you are surfing the internet.
- Treat your password like your toothbrush – keep it to yourself!
- Keep your home address, your phone number or email address off the internet, Tiktok, Snapchat, MSN and chat rooms.
- Learn to report someone who is behaving badly.
- Save the evidence – learn to save emails or on-line conversations.
- Don’t retaliate or reply.
- Always respect others – think carefully about what you are typing.
- Tell someone you trust if you see something that worries or upsets you.
- Remember what you have learned in school – use that at home.
REPORT ABUSE OR GAIN ADVICE…
If you would like to report abuse online or would like further advice and support, click on the links below: (with the pictures linked to https://www.ceop.police.uk/ceop-reporting/ and https://reportharmfulcontent.com/ )
If you are worried about anything that happens online then you can talk to any of your trusted adults at school. Parents/Carers are also welcome to get in touch with any member of staff if you would like advice or support.
Online safety Newsletter
https://www.esafety-adviser.com/latest-newsletter/
Useful resources and links
Thinkuknow http://www.thinkuknow.co.uk
Thinkuknow is an education programme from the National Crime Agency’s CEOP Command. Since 2006, it aims to ensure that everyone has access to this practical information – children, young people, their parents and carers and the professionals who work with them.
Internet Matters https://www.internetmatters.org/advice/esafety-leaflets-resources/
A comprehensive web resource with a wide array of tips and advice on how to navigate the online world with your child. Some of their guidance we attach below but you can find even more by visiting the link.
National Online Safety https://nationalonlinesafety.com/resources/platform-guides/
National Online Safety’s mission is to make the internet a safer place for children. They aim to do this by equipping school staff, parents and children with the knowledge they need to understand online dangers and how best to react should an incident arise. The link above provides up to date information about a wide variety of social media apps and platforms your child might be using.
NSPCC http://www.nspcc.org.uk/preventing-abuse/keeping-children-safe/share-aware/
The NSPCC are the first to admit that the internet is amazing. Children can play, learn, create and connect – opening up a whole world of exciting possibilities. But with the digital world changing all the time, how can you make sure your child’s staying safe? That’s where the NSPCC come in. Whether you’re an online expert or you’re not sure where to start, their tools and advice will help you keep your child safe.
Childnet http://www.childnet.com/parents-and-carers
Childnet International is a registered UK charity that aims to make the internet a safe place for children and young people. Packed with resources it is a great resource for parents.
CEOP http://ceop.police.uk/safety-centre/
Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) is part of the National Crime Agency and their website can be used to report if you are worried about online abuse or the way someone is communicating online.
BBC https://www.bbc.com/ownit
The BBC have a website and app called Own It. The website has a lot of content for children to help them navigate their online lives, and the free smartphone app comes with a special keyboard which can intervene with help and support in the moments that children need it the most.
SafetoNet https://safetonet.com/
SafeToNet is technology that educates children “in-the-moment” as they use their device. It is a safeguarding assistant that helps them become responsible and safe digital citizens. Its power lies in a smart keyboard that detects risks in real-time. It steers children away from trouble by filtering harmful outgoing messages before they can be sent and any damage can be done.
A guide to Apps & Social Media
The number of apps and social media channels your child could be exposed to grow all the time, as does an app’s functionality. We recommend you visit Net Aware to read the latest and most current advice on over 70 apps to ensure you know what they do, how you can limit their features as well as recommended age restrictions.
The apps included are:
- Fortnite
- Snapchat
- YouTube
- Minecraft
- Clash of Clans & Clash Royale
- Kik
- Friv
- Dubsmash
- Wink
- YOLO
- TikTok
- And many, many more
Resources for children to use
Below are some links that children themselves can access for help when navigating the tricky subject of online safety,
Reception – Year 2
Below are a number of links that are tailored for children in the younger year groups.
https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/5_7/
https://www.netsmartzkids.org/
https://www.childnet.com/resources/smartie-the-penguin
Year 3 – Year 6
Below are links more suitable for older children.
https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/8_10/
https://www.nsteens.org/
TikTok is a social media platform that lets you share and discover 15 second video clips.
https://www.openvieweducation.
https://www.net-aware.org.uk/networks/tiktok/
https://nationalonlinesafety.com/resources/wake-up-wednesday/tiktok-guide/
Minecraft – is a game that lets you build, create and explore virtual worlds with building blocks. https://www.net-aware.org.uk/networks/minecraft/
Roblox – is an online game and app where you can create and share your own games and games that others have made. There is an option to chat to other players. https://www.net-aware.org.uk/networks/roblox/
Instagram – is a popular photo sharing site, it is possible to comment on other people’s photos. https://www.net-aware.org.uk/networks/instagram/
WhatsApp – is an instant messaging app which allows you to share photos, videos, text messages and make calls.
https://www.net-aware.org.uk/networks/whatsapp/
Snapchat – The snapchat app lets you send videos, photos and messages to your friends which appear briefly and then disappear: https://www.net-aware.org.uk/networks/snapchat/
Check out this page for guides to many more games and apps: https://www.net-aware.org.uk/networks/
Blue Whale – There is an online game called Blue Whale, which originated in Russia.
It encourages self harm for 50 days then committing suicide on the last day.
Young people carve a whale on their forearm. There has been increased suicides in Russia, linked to this game.
In Hampshire there have been 2 completed suicides and 2 v.near misses.
Yellow – Look out for ‘Yellow’ a dating app for teenagers, Information on Yellow
also look out for ‘Lovoo’ and ‘Woozworld’.
Lovoo is an online dating, chatting and flirting app. You can search for people who are close to your current location and engage in private chats. The app is free but there is also a ‘VIP’ paid membership option. The VIP membership enables you to end a greater number of chat requests, have more matches and view other users profiles anonymously in ‘ghost mode’ so they don’t know you’ve seen their picture and details.
Woozworld is a virtual gaming app which allows the user to create their own fashion themes avatar and do quests. It has chat facilities and the app has been described as being designed for the ‘tween’ market with the average age of users being between 8 and 14.
Reporting Online Abuse:
https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/reporting-abuse/report/
https://www.ceop.police.uk/Safety-Centre/
Other useful websites include:
www.childnet.com/cyberbullying-guidance
www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-use-of-social-media-for-online-radicalisation
safepolicies.lgfl.net (as well as templates, the UKCIS framework and PSHE guidance are here)
Links for Children
There are lots of great things to do on the Internet from playing games, looking for something for school, listening to music, watching video clips or just looking for cool stuff. But you also need to know how to stay safe online and what to do if you come across something you don’t like.
Think U Know for 5 to 7 year olds – 5, 6 or 7? This website has been set up just for you, to help you go on the internet in a safe way and know who to talk to if you are worried.
Think U Know for 8 to 10 year olds – showing you what’s good on the Internet. Have a look at what’s not and shows you ways you can get yourself out of bad situations.
Kids Smart – gives advice on how to stay safe on the Internet, whatever you are doing including searching for information, playing games, listening to music and entering competitions.
CBBC Stay Safe: Advice on Internet Safety – includes interactive clips from Tracy Beaker, a Newsround Special and Dongle’s Guide to be SMART.
Links for parents and carers
Using the internet can make learning fun, fast and easy. Whether researching a school project, chatting with frends or playing a game, you can help your child surf safely and feel confident about learning online. The following sites offer help to keeping you and your child safe online:
BBC Webwise online safety course – this site gives advice on not only keeping your child safe, but also gives tips on what adults should be doing for themselves too.
Think U Know – Parents and Carers – produced by the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (CEOP). Their site offers really good advice on keeping your child safe online.
UK Council for Child Internet Safety– offering advice on Cyberbullying, Social Netwroking, downloading files and online gaming as well as general advice on keeping your child safe online.