E-Safety

Nov 2023

Keeping children safe online 

Please have a look at this excellent website that provides support to both parents and children in regards to keeping children safe online.

https://safetynet.skipseducational.org/

 

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Oct 2023

Learning Disabilities, Autism and Internet Safety: A Guide for Parents Introduction
This guide outlines some suggestions to help parents limit the risk of their child having negative experiences online and understand what action can be taken if they do. This guide also suggests some resources that will help children get the most out of the Internet at home and in the community. The guide will present some case studies of actual experiences people with learning disabilities and autism have had online and learning points that can be taken from these experiences.

Learning disabilities, Autism and Internet safety: A guide for parents.

June 2023

WhatsApp is the world’s most popular messaging service, with around two billion users exchanging texts, photos, videos and documents, and making voice and video calls.

Following meeting with PC Andrew Cornall (Police Youth Engagement Officer) Year 6 have agreed a set of rules for using WhatsApp. They thought it would be useful for you to have a set of the rules at home to help support them. 

Rules for What’s App Group

  • We will make sure our parents are happy with us being on What’s App
  • We will decide by vote on an admin person for the group – they will have the authority to add and delete people on a temporary basis.
  • We will make a list of rules for our group and agree consequences for breaching rules before using the group.
  • We will agree who should be in the group – all of the members must agree who is in the group and must agree to any new members
  • Any member should be empowered to leave the group at any time, no questions asked
  • We will agree a group name that is not abusive or offensive.
  • No one will be allowed to change the name of the group without the agreement of the others.
  • We will agree on a curfew after which time no messages are sent – we suggest 9pm
  • We will not use bad language, be abusive or bully.
  • We will not spam or send random links via the group.

For further information, WhatsApp have a useful help guide

https://faq.whatsapp.com/361005896189245

 

Child Friendly Anti Bullying Policy

In order to support our children, we have designed a Child Friendly Anti Bullying policy that may help you support your child at home. The file has been attached for you to be able to view or download.

 

March 2023

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Online safety tips for parents of 11-13 Year Olds attached as a file for your information.

 

March 2023

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What is Snapchat?

Snapchat is a popular social media messaging app that allows you to send and receive pictures and videos (called a Snap) to users. Snap Inc is the developer of the app and also creates other products such as Snapchat Spectacles.

How does Snapchat work?

It was initially a private photo-sharing app. However, Snapchat features now include short videos, games, video chat, messaging, a place to store photos and more.

Each Snap shared with your followers is temporary and is available for 24 hours unless you delete it or set a different limit. You can also add different filters, lenses, emojis and text to your Snap. Additionally, you can create a group chat to talk with friends or message individual friends.

Snapchat features a number of functions to help your child manage who can see their content and how they interact with others. They can also use the reporting function to flag content that breaks community guidelines and upsets them.

Go to https://www.internetmatters.org/parental-controls/social-media/snapchat/ for further information or download the guide attached to this page.

/uploads/119/files/parental-control-snapchat.pdf

January 2023

What you need to know about Music streaming apps and sites and how to keep your child safe.  The National online safety association have put together guidance to help you to support your child when accessing music sites. Please click on the link for further information.

/uploads/119/files/Music Streaming Apps.pdf

September 2022

CEOP new website for 4-7 year olds and accompanying guide for parents and carers.

What's new?

The website is based on the three-episode Jessie & Friends animated series, which aims to equip 4-7 year olds with the knowledge, skills and confidence they need to stay safer online. It is intended to be used by 4-7 year olds alongside their parents and carers, or within education settings as a learning tool.

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The new interactive website encourages 4-7s to engage safely online by helping them to recognise worrying, upsetting or scary situations and reinforcing the key message that they should ‘Tell A Grown Up’ in these instances.

The website is divided into sections for 4-5 and 6-7 year olds and features relevant and age-appropriate games for the chosen age bracket. Each game focuses on one of four topics:

watching videos

chatting online

sharing pictures

gaming online

The Jessie & Friends episodes are also available to watch on the new website to enhance understanding.

Take a look at the new website by clicking on the link below.

https://mailchi.mp/18974010c968/4-7-s-website-launch-178644?e=7e75556286

 

 

June 2022 Appropriate Internet use

We have been made aware by some parents of Year 5 and Year 6 children, that there has been some sharing of inappropriate videos and some inappropriate messaging between some of the children.  We understand that at this time children are eager to keep in touch with each other, but we would urge you to be aware about what your child is seeing and/or sending and to ensure that your child is staying safe online and following guidelines. We would appreciate it if you could be extra vigilant as most children are going to be increasing the time they are online at the moment.

A great way to start positive family conversations around safe and responsible internet use, and to agree clear expectations and boundaries is to set up a family agreement.  We have attached an example as a suggestion.

We often talk to the children in school about using technology, and we are sure that you reinforce this at home.   There are a number of useful websites to support this – please see the links below.   Please note that this is a repeat of the information sent out during the autumn term.

                                                                                                                                               

https://www.internetmatters.org/parental-controls/

 

https://www.childline.org.uk/info-advice/bullying-abuse-safety/online-mobile-safety/mobile-phone-safety/

 

http://www.safetynetkids.org.uk/personal-safety/mobile-phone-safety/

 

https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/8_10/

 

Family agreement - A great way to start positive family conversations around safe and responsible internet use, and to agree clear expectations and boundaries.

Getting started

• What do we enjoy doing online?

• What apps, games and websites do we use the most?

• What devices, tech, toys or games do we have with internet access?

• Do we already have any rules about use of tech we want to include in our family agreement?

 

Managing time online

 • How long do we spend on our devices?

• How does it feel when we use tech for too long?

• How do know when our screen use is interfering with family life?

• What can we do to help avoid overusing tech?

 

Sharing

• What is or isn’t okay to share online?

• What should we check before posting images and videos online?

• How do we keep personal information belonging to ourselves and others safe?

• Do we need a family email address to use when signing up to new accounts?

• Do we know how to use privacy settings and strong passwords, and why these are important?

• How can we use features like livestreaming and disappearing content safely?

 

Online content

• What can we do if we see something online which seems unreliable or untrustworthy?

• When is it okay to download files, games or apps, or click on a link?

• Do we know what the age requirements, or ratings, on the games and apps we use mean?

 • Do we need any restrictions on making in-game or in-app purchases?

• Which websites are okay for us to use?

 

Communicating online

• Who can we talk/chat/play games with online? Do we only know them online, or offline too?

• How can we keep ourselves safe when communicating with people who we only know online?

• How can we be a good friend when we are online?

 

If things go wrong

• What can we do if we feel uncomfortable or upset by anything we see or hear online?

• What should we do if someone we only know online asks us for photos, to meet up, or to share personal information?

• Do we know here the report and block buttons are online?

 

To finish…

• How could parental controls help our family?

• What will happen if one of us breaks the family agreement?

• When should we review our family agreement?

Once you’ve talked about your family’s use of technology and the internet, think about what simple steps you can take going forward.

Lastest Government Support 

Whilst there are huge benefits to being online in order to stay connected to family and friends during this period, the government recognises many parents may feel concerned about the activities and content their children are accessing. This guidance outlines resources to help keep children safe from different risks online and where to go to receive support and advice.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-keeping-children-safe-online/coronavirus-covid-19-support-for-parents-and-carers-to-keep-children-safe-online

 

ESAFETY TIPS

The short video provides parents and carers with:

  • An introduction to NCA-CEOP, the Thinkuknow education programme and its resources
  • Advice on how they can keep their child safe online, including a helpful tool to support them in having the right conversations about online safety.

New - #OnlineSafetyAtHome activity packs!

To help parents and carers during COVID-19, we're releasing activity packs with simple 15 minute activities you can do with your child to support their online safety at home.

 

We also encourage parents and carers to read this guide which includes tips to better monitor online activity and have meaningful conversations with their children about online safety.

Link to Website:  https://nationalonlinesafety.com/

Link to guide:  https://nationalonlinesafety.com/resources/platform-guides/momo-online-safety-guide-for-parents/

  

Tik Tok

We have had several children mentioning the Tik Tok App that they are accessing on mobile devices. This has raised a few concerns about online safety and privacy.

Below is some information about Tik Tok from the Common Sense Media website, which can be accessed using this link:- https://www.commonsensemedia.org/blog/parents-ultimate-guide-to-tiktok

What is TikTok? - TikTok is a social network for sharing user-generated videos, mostly of people lip-synching to popular songs. It was originally called musical.ly (pronounced MU-zik-lee). Users can create and upload their own videos where they lip-synch, sing, dance, or just talk. You can also browse and interact with other users' content, which covers a wide range of topics, songs, and styles. These videos can be grouped by hashtags, which often correspond to challenges or memes.

How safe is TikTok? - Using any social network can be risky, but it's possible for kids to safely use the app with adult supervision (and a private account). When you sign up for TikTok, your account is public by default, meaning anyone can see your videos, send you direct messages, and use your location information. Parents should make sure to turn on all privacy settings for accounts kids are using, so only people you know can interact with your videos or message you on the app. That means either opting for a private account or changing the settings for comments, duets, reactions, and messages to "Friends" instead of "Everyone." You can also turn those features off completely.

Is TikTok appropriate for kids? - Because of TikTok's emphasis on popular music, many videos include swearing and sexual lyrics, so it may not be age-appropriate for kids to use on their own.

What age is TikTok recommended for? - Common Sense recommends the app for age 15+ mainly due to the privacy issues and mature content.

Further information can be found on these websites.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/blogs-trending-47813350

https://www.net-aware.org.uk/networks/tiktok/

https://parentinfo.org/article/tiktok-what-parents-need-to-know?utm_source=Thinkuknow&utm_campaign=d422803b43-TUK_ONLINE_SAFETY_AT_HOME_16_06_20&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_0b54505554-d422803b43-64878469

What is Cyberbullying?

Cyberbullying is bullying that takes place using electronic technology. Electronic technology includes devices and equipment such as cell phones, computers, and tablets as well as communication tools including social media sites, text messages, chat, and websites. Examples of cyberbullying include mean text messages or emails, rumours sent by email or posted on social networking sites, and embarrassing pictures, videos, websites, or fake profiles.

What to do if you are being Cyberbullied?

Cyberbullying- What should I do?

  1. Tell an adult, parents, carer or guardian
  2. Speak to your class eSafety Officers (Years 3-6) - to be recruited
  3. Speak to your teacher
  4. Keep message you have been sent as this will provide proof(evidence) should the issue need to be raised further.

Get Safe On Line

Some great advice from   https://www.getsafeonline.org/safeguarding-children/  – have a look at their site as they have some fantastic tips, videos , links for all to use

Get Safe Top 10

  1. Make sure your computer has up-to-date internet security software, switched on.
  2. Don’t reveal personal information on social networking sites.
  3. Regularly backup the data on your computer and smartphone/tablet.
  4. Never reveal your password or PIN when asked to do so by email or on the phone.
  5. Make sure your wireless network is secure at all times.
  6. Be careful who you are selling to and buying from on auction sites.
  7. Choose strong passwords, change them regularly and don’t tell anybody what they are.
  8. When shopping, paying or banking online, always make sure the website is secure.
  9. Always download the latest software and operating system updates when prompted.
  10. Remember your smartphone is also a target for viruses and spyware.

ONLINE GAMES AND ADVICE FOR CHILDREN


ESAFETY TIPS FOR PARENTS

Technology is evolving at an alarming rate and it is important to keep up to date with how we can enhance the safety of children’s online safety.

Here are some useful links to support Esafety at home:

  • ESafety Advice for Parents and Pupils
  • How to setup Parental Controls?
  • Our Pact – Parental Control App  – This app that enables parents to take control of the amount of time their child uses an android or ios device. OurPact is a breakthrough parental control app that harnesses the power of Internet and Application blocking in order to teach children proper device use and responsibility. Our parental control solution gives parents the ability to manage their child’s screen time throughout the day. Parents can enforce bedtime, set dinnertime, manage study time and schedule family time throughout the day.

PARENTAL LINKS AND ADVICE

Information on Internet Safety – shared by Jane Commins, Youth Engagement Officer at Cheshire Constabulary Safer Schools and Young Persons Partnership

  • It is important to educate children about being safe on-line and about making a positive contribution – both parents and school should be responsible for this
  • Parents should not tell their child they don’t know anything about technology – don’t say ‘Don’t ask me, I don’t know how it works!’, do say ‘We could find out about it together to decide whether it’s safe or how we can make it safe’
  • Parents need to encourage their child to be open about what they are doing so that they feel able to talk when there is a problem
  • Find out about apps a child is using – good websites for this are www.internetmatters.org which gives advice on how appropriate apps are for each age group and www.commonsensemedia.org which reviews apps.

Jane recommended the following websites for further information: -

www.internetmatters.org

www.commonsensemedia.org

www.thinkuknow.co.uk

https://virtualglobaltaskforce.com/

www.ceop.police.uk/safety-centre

Other pages that you could look help to support your child.

PREVENT Should I be worried?

Incidents of extremism and radicalisation are rare and as such when they do occur, make the news. As with all safeguarding issues, it is important to be vigilant, and not complacent, but also not to panic. We have attached a guide in the files section which will give you the information to make informed decisions and help safeguard your child. 

In the files section, you will also find a copy of our Safeguarding policy which also provides guidance (page 32 onwards).

 

Social Media Policy

Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy

 

Files to Download