Online Safety

Online safety at home

Whilst we encourage your child to use technology to enhance their learning and digital skills it is still important that they are using it safely. The use of these modern technologies can put young people at risk within and outside school. Some dangers they may face include:

Access to illegal, harmful or inappropriate images/other content 
Un-authorised access to / loss of / sharing of personal information 
The risk of being subject to grooming by those with whom they make contact on the internet
The sharing / distribution of personal images without an individual’s  consent or knowledge
Inappropriate communication / contact with others, including stranger

At school we have many procedures in place to keep your child safe online, including firewalls and virus protection. But, how can you help keep your children safe whilst using technology at home?

Tips for parents

Here are just some of the things you can do with your child to help improve their online safety:

Set parental settings and filters

Be aware of what sites your children are visiting on the internet and use parental controls where appropriate. This will help to restrict their access to inappropriate websites and games that are not suitable for their age.
Set parental controls on your broadband – this can be done by contacting your provider.

Talk to your child

Discuss with your child what they like to do online and what games they enjoy playing. By being interested this might encourage them to talk to you about all the sites they visit in the future.
Ask them if they are talking to friends online or through their gaming stations e.g. Xbox and who those friends are. You may be surprised that they are possibly talking to people they have never met.
Make it clear that they can talk to you about anything they may be concerned about at any time.

Keep your anti-virus software up-to-date

Your anti-virus software can detect the latest virus infections and will quarantine them, so they do not damage your computer or files. New viruses are created every day and so by updating regularly you will be protected.

Discuss information that should NOT be shared online, some examples include:

Full name – first name is ok to use.
Personal information like telephone numbers and addresses.
If they are uploading pictures online – ask them to show you first and they you can decide if it is appropriate.

Never discuss meeting up with someone you have never met before.
What school they attend and outside clubs.

Sexting (taking naked pictures or texting inappropriate messages)

Only allow webcams in the main family area of the house.
Make it clear that it is illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to take or receive a sexual photo even if it is of themselves.

Explain that when the picture or message has been sent, it cannot be taken back.
Discuss the consequences of the picture/message getting into the wrong hands.

Never share passwords with anyone. Passwords should be made secure by:

Adding capital letters
Adding numbers

Using symbols
Not making them obvious e.g. date of birth or name

Cyber-bullying

Encourage your child to talk to you or a teacher if they think they are being bullied and not to keep it to themselves.
Discuss the importance of not participating in bullying online and to be aware that they leave a digital footprint and therefore will get discovered.

Be aware of age ratings on games and social media sites