We subscribe to monthly online safety newsletter by Knowsley CLC which are emailed out to families. These newsletters are very informative about current topics related to the ever changing internet, games and apps. You can find our previous newsletters under Parents > E Safety
Please also note the changes in the KCSIE 2021 (Keeping Children Safe in Education Document)
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/keeping-children-safe-in-education–2
Useful Links for parents
The internet for many parents can be a daunting place but to our children it is a necessity of life. Access to the internet has never been so vast and continues to spread with the increasing popularity of tablets and mobile phones. To support you in protecting your child online there are some useful links below to sites with tips and guidance:
Parental Controls Booklet - provided by Knowsley CLC
- coming soon
Five articles to share
1. Gaming: what parents and carers need to know
Many children spend time gaming online. This article explores the different elements of gaming with a particular focus on how it can be used by offenders, but focusing on what parents can do to support their child while gaming.
2. Sharing pictures of your child online
Lots of parents love sharing photos of their children with friends and family, particularly when they are on holiday or starting the new school year. A recent report found that 42% of young people reported that their parents had done this without asking their permission. Our article helps parents to protect their child while staying social.
3. Keeping your under 5s safe online
Whether it’s watching videos, playing games on their devices or talking to Alexa – today’s under 5s are spending more time online. In this article we look at the benefits of children accessing the internet, and share advice about how parents can make sure their child has a safe experience online.
4. Live streaming: responding to the risks
Many children enjoy live streaming as it can be used to showcase talent, develop communication skills and create identity. Our article helps parents to understand why children love it, what the risks can be, and how they can help their child stay safe if they are live streaming.
Parental controls are a great tool for helping to protect children but should not replace open and honest conversations with children about their life online. Share these tips on how to use parental controls effectively.
Simplified Social Media Terms and Conditions for Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, YouTube and WhatsApp
Children often don’t know what they’re signing up to when they join Facebook, YouTube, Snapchat, WhatsApp or Instagram. That’s why the Children’s Commissioner have worked with lawyers to create simplified versions of Terms and Conditions for the most popular social media platforms.
Screen Time boundaries
(Source: http://www.childnet.com/parents-and-carers/hot-topics/screen-time-boundaries)
Top Tips
1. Use digital devices together: Get involved in your child’s online activities. Have fun, play games and learn together online, just as you would in the physical world. Your child may feel more confortabke talking to you if they experience anything upsetting online.
2. Set clear expectations: Clear family rules can help your child have a positive start to their digital life and get the most out of being online.
3. Be informed: Many digital devices, services and content providers offer a range of parental controls. You can choose the type of content and options that are suitable for your child.
4. Establish good habits early on: Both adults and children enjoy sharing moments with family and friends through online images and videos. Starting conversations and good habits early on is a great way to support children in staying safe online.
Digital Parenting magazine
The Parent Zone and Vodafone have released their latest Digital Parenting magazine it contains lots of information and tips for parents about what children are doing online and how they can help to protect their children.
We have requested a copy for each family but click the link below if you wish to order more copies
http://www.theparentzone.co.uk/vodafone_digital_parenting_order_form/5248l
CEOP (Child Online Protection) Parents Area
This site offers advice and guidance for all types of online behaviours such as online gaming, social networking, sharing content to name a few. Your child will be familiar with the child version of this site as it used in school.
https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/parents/
Online Bullying
Cyberbullying is becoming more prevalent amongst children and young people when they are online, particularly as the popularity of online gaming continues to increase. To help parents deal with any incidents of cyberbullying or if you think your child maybe a victim of online bullying there is advice and guidance for you as a parent and how to deal with such scenarios.
http://www.anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk/advice/parents-carers.aspx
Children in Key Stage 2 take part in an online assembly delivered by Be Internet Legends. This year this is taking place on Friday 12th November which falls just before Anti-Bullying week.
NSPCC's campaign called ‘Share Aware’ is aimed at informing parents about social networks and the potential risks for children. There are great guides and tips for talking to children about their online life:
http://www.nspcc.org.uk/preventing-abuse/keeping-children-safe/share-aware/
Information and support
There is a wealth of information and guidance available to support parents to help keep children safe online. Here are a couple of useful websites: