Online Safety

What does Online Safety mean?

Online Safety is about teaching children how to stay safe and how to behave responsibly when on the internet. Children must also be aware of the potential risks when using devices such as IPads, Xbox, Play Stations and mobile phones.

Online Safety at home - What is my role as a parent?

As a parent you must be aware of what your child is doing when spending time on gaming devices such as an Ipad, mobile phone, laptop and computer – all devices which access the World Wide Web. Although the internet presents positive learning experiences, there can be potential dangers which children need to be able to recognise and know how to deal with. Our children need to know that internet safety rules apply at home as well as at school.

Below are a number of websites and information guides that assist parents to ensure their child’s time on the internet is a positive, educational and enjoyable experience. There are numerous ways in which you can ensure your child’s safety.
We MUST get involved with our child’s lives online.

What is cyber bullying?

Cyber bullying is when your child is being bullied on line or through the use of electronic technology. This could be when a text, message or image is posted in order to intentionally hurt or embarrass another person.

This could be in the form of:

Social networking sites such as Facebook,
YouTube, Instagram
Email
Text messages and instant messaging
Chat rooms and blogs
Online gaming

What should I do if I think my child is a victim of cyber bullying?

Talking to the child’s class teacher is a good start and issues may be reported to a Designated Safeguarding Lead (Mrs. Campbell, Mrs. Wilton or Mrs. Irving) in school. Phone settings and email accounts can be changed and users may be blocked from the account. Always print the messages or images as evidence but NEVER reply to them.

Top tips when allowing children to play online games

Check the Age Rating of the Game – just like with films, you should check the age rating of any game before allowing your child to play.
The organisation ‘PEGI’ set age ratings for games and classify their content according to what is appropriate for different age groups.
Limit the amount of time your child is spending on games. Some games are online worlds which never end and it can take hours to complete missions.
It is important to limit the amount of time your child spends online. Be aware of how long they spend gaming and set rules, just like you would when watching TV.
Ensure they take regular screen breaks, 5 or 10 minutes for every 45-60 minutes.
Things can go wrong when gaming and many games now have an online chat facility.
It is important that your child knows what to do when something does happen, or when someone says something they don’t like. Make yourself and your child aware of how to block or report people.
Set parental controls – come into school and ask for help and advice if you are not sure.

Please click on the following links to visit websites where information can be found about what you can do to keep your child safe online:

Advice on how to set ‘Parental Controls’

Keeping young children safe online

Google – advice on how to protect your family online

Lots of up-to-date and easy to read information can be found in the Digital Parent Guide Magazine