Online Safety
Online Safety
Online Safety is an important part of the computing curriculum and safeguarding agenda. Parents have a vital role to play in keeping children safe online, particularly as children often access the internet through a wider variety of devices at home than they have access to in school.
Our safeguarding page has links to several websites, documents and services that provide helpful information for parents and carers covering topics such as social networking, gaming and cyber bullying.
Digital Ambassadors
Our digital ambassadors are a group of children who act as an important link between the adults in school and the children. They can advise the adults on popular and current trends in online gaming and technology and help promote online safety to their peers.
Earlier this year, the digital ambassadors produced a presentation to highlight some of the the safety issues facing children. with advice on how to overcome them. You can download the presentation below.
Games
Age Ratings
Many games are meant to be played by teenagers or even adults. The age ratings are there to keep you safe from swearing, violence or scary stuff.
Keeping Your Information Private
Some games let you chat to people you don't know and let strangers ask to be your friend. Be careful when you talk to or make friends with people you don’t know. Do not tell them any private information about yourself such as your school or where you live. Some people will pretend to be nice to make friends and they might not be who they say they are. NEVER arrange to meet anyone you met on the internet.
Ask Permission
Ask your mum or dad before you sign up to a new game. They can make sure the game is okay to play and that you sign up safely. It is best to use a nickname when you sign up.
Stay In Control
Remember it is just a game! Games should be fun but it is easy to get carried away. Don't be mean to anyone if they are not as good as you and try not to worry if you are getting stuck.
In-App Purchases
Some games are designed to make you spend real money to help you in the game. It is easy to accidentally spend lots of money. Ask your mum and dad to help you turn off in-app purchases.
Phones
Security
If you use a mobile phone it is a good idea to turn on the security settings to help keep your personal information safe.
- Use a password, code or fingerprint to lock and unlock your phone.
- Don't give out your number to people you don't know.
- Don't answer calls from numbers you don't recognise.
- Block the number of callers who constantly bother you.
- Don't reply to messages from people you don't know.
- Don't reply to nasty messages - save them and show them to an adult.
Think Before You Send
- Never send photos of yourself, your friends or your family to someone you don't know.
- Once you have sent something you can't get it back!
Social Media
Age Limits
Most social networking sites are meant for people over the age of 13. This age limit is there to keep younger people safe and because you are unable to accept the terms of use below that age. By using social networks under the age limit you are breaking the terms of the agreement and putting yourself at risk of seeing things inappropriate for your age. You may also be allowing strangers to contact you and see photos and information about you. Some social networks also collect and sell your information to other companies.
Cyber Bullying
Cyber bullying is when people use technology to send nasty and upsetting messages to others with the intention of hurting their feelings. Cyber bullying is particularly upsetting because the bully can get in touch with you even when you are at home.
What To Do
- Don't reply to nasty comments or messages.
- Keep nasty messages so you have evidence of what the bully has said.
- Be a good friend and don't comment on nasty posts about someone else.
- No matter what has happened, tell a trusted adult at home or school straight away.
Bullies want you to feel bad or ashamed but bullying is never your fault and it can be stopped.
Searching
Sometimes, when you are searching the internet, you might get something you don’t want to see. Here are some tips to help you find what you are looking for.
Safe Searching
Get someone to help you turn on Safe Search in Google or whichever search engine you are using. This is very important when you are searching for images. Your parents might also be able to use a filter on your internet connection.
Search Carefully
Be careful what you search for and try to type in exactly what you want. Use more than one word to describe what you are looking for and type 'for kids' or 'for KS2' as part of your search. Also, be careful with your spelling. If you spell a word wrong you might get something you didn’t want.
Fake Information
Remember that not everything you read is true. Some websites do not have accurate information and others are made to deliberately trick you. Use websites you have heard of such as the BBC and check facts with more than one website.
Tell Someone
If you do see something that upsets you turn off the screen or close the laptop lid and tell an adult straight away.
Tell Someone
At School
If you want to speak to someone at school about a problem you can speak to Mrs Dunstan, Mr Towers, Miss Brewster, Mrs Joy or any other member of staff you like.
Useful Links
The websites below give you all the information you need to stay safe online. They cover a range of topics including cyber bullying, social networking, games, chat and more. Some sites let you report something that upsets or frightens you online.
Be Internet Legends
Be Internet Legends is Google's online safety site. It has lots of information for children and parents and a cool game called Interland.
Think U Know
The Think U Know website has lots of information about keeping you safe on the internet and tells you who to talk to if you are worried about something online.
It has sections for:
Digizen
The Digizen website provides information for young people, carers, parents and schools to help them become better digital citizens. It has particular information on cyber bullying and social networking.
UK Safer Internet Centre
The UK Safer Internet Centre has tips and resources to help children and young people stay safe on the internet.
Childnet International
Childnet International helps make the internet a great and safe place for children.
Download our Guide
Information from the following websites were used to create our guide:
Rules for Using the Internet
Children and adults have to agree to use the internet in a safe way before they are allowed to use it at school. The posters below remind you of the rules you have to follow.
