We believe that it is vital to teach our children how to stay safe when using the internet. It is essential that the rules that we are teaching about safe and appropriate behaviour online are reinforced at home.  

At Elmley Castle First School we are aware that technology has become an essential resource to support learning and teaching, as well as playing an important role in our everyday lives. Consequently, we need to build the confidence in use of these technologies in order to arm our young people with the skills to access life-long learning and employment. With this in mind, at Elmley Castle, we use the Internet on a regular basis as part of their learning. We believe that technology enhances learning, and we want to ensure pupils get the most from it, by encouraging responsible online behaviour.  Therefore, it is our responsibility to ensure that all users are aware of the range of risks associated with the use of these Internet technologies. Young people are more at risk of exposure to inappropriate or criminal behaviour if they are unaware of the dangers.

Dangers

These dangers include:

• Viewing unsuitable content for example adult content, hate material and sites that endorse unhealthy behaviour.
• Sharing personal information
• Arranging to meet someone who they have never met who they perceive to be their online 'friend'
• Becoming involved in, or the victim of, bullying or making and sending indecent or illegal images
• Having their online world take over their real life world by spending too much time online (internet addiction), which can effect concentration, sleep, grades and health

 

Talking To Your Child About Online Safety

Below are some online safety conversation starters from Childnet. They can be used to help you monitor and support your child’s online activity and safety.

• Ask your child to tell you about the sites they like to visit and what they enjoy doing online.
• Ask them about how they stay safe online.  What tips do they have for you?  What is okay and what is not okay to share?
• Ask your child if they know where to go for help, where to find safety advice and how to report or block the services they use.
• Encourage your child to help you.  They might be able to show you how to do something better online.

Remember to return to the questions with your child over time. Think about how you use the Internet as a family. What could you do together to get more from the time you spend online?

 

Visit this website for advice as parents and carers as well as many resources to engage children in discussions about online safety:

 

If you need help working our what games, books and films are suitable for your child then ‘Taming gaming’ and ‘Common sense’ media are two excellent sites. Click on the images to go to the websites.

Taming Gaming says “Every game is presented for parents and carers to understand, to empower informed choice through understanding.” 

 

Common Sense Media says “Every day, millions of parents and educators trust Common Sense reviews and advice to help them navigate the digital world with their kids.”

 

Thank you for those of you that came to our recent Online Safety Workshop. Please find attached a copy of the powerpoint that we used during the session.