Online Safety

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. On this page you can find websites to help your children stay safe online as well as links to information for parents and carers.

Information for Parents and Carers

Inappropriate Content Online Advice for Parents

Over the last 12 months there has been an increase in the number of schools reporting that students, while at home, have accessed content which is not always appropriate, some of which has been quite scary or upsetting. While there is no perfect way to eliminate this risk, there are things parents and carers can do to support their children online, reduce the risk or manage it after the fact. Here are some of the practical steps parents and carers can follow:

• Contact their Internet Service Provider (ISP): Companies that provide broadband such as BT, Sky and Virgin, offer free protection for parents and carers. They can filter your internet connection directly, without having to install anything. See also a Guide on how to use this
• YouTube is a fantastic resource, especially when home schooling, but not all the content is appropriate for children and not all YouTube channels are made for young audiences. YouTube has an app just for children – YouTube Kids – but many people don't realise that the main YouTube app has a restricted mode. We have created a quick guide to show how to activate this: YouTube Guide
• Games consoles have features that can limit what games they can play based on the age ratings, and can even turn off certain features to allow gaming to be a little safer. Learn more about these features
• Games are also rated based on the content, not how difficult they are. 18 rated games can have very graphic violence, adult language and themes, sexual content and horror elements. Learn a bit more about appropriate games  or visit parentzone.

It's important to remember that no filters or controls are 100% effective so make sure your child knows that they can, and should, talk to someone if they see or hear anything upsetting online so we can offer them some reassurance. This information from Thinkuknow might be useful https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/parents/articles/Im-worried-my-primary-aged-child-might-see-something-inappropriate-online/

Parent's guide to Online Safety Session by Dan Hawbrook:
We recently ran a live stream on YouTube for parents around online safety and keeping their children safe this can be viewed here at parent's leisure: Parent's guide to Online Safety Session  
Dan looks at the positive sides of the internet, negative parts, popular apps what they are and how to keep your children safe on them. Techniques used in grooming, sending nudes and agencies that can offer support and help. It is worth a watch for all parents any feedback they have is gratefully received also. Please distribute to parents so they are aware of this fantastic session.

Links for children