Online Safety

We are aware that during these big life changes, with children spending their time at home, they may be accessing the internet more frequently than before; through internet searches, games and apps. Whilst this can be safe, if age-appropriate and overseen/approved by an adult, we want to ensure everyone remains safe, and so we have put together some advice and resources to follow and explore.

8 steps to keep your child safe online.

1. Explore together:

Ask your child to show you their favourite websites and apps and what they do on them. Listen, show interest and encourage them to teach you the basics of the site or app.

2. Chat little and often about online safety:

If you're introducing them to new learning websites and apps while school is closed, take the opportunity to talk to them about how to stay safe on these services and in general. Ask if anything worries them while they're online. Make sure they know that if they ever feel worried, they can get help by talking to you or add another adult they trust.

3. Help you child identify trusted adults who can help them if they are worried:

This includes you and other adults at home, as well as adults from wider family, school or other support services who they are able to contact at this time. Encourage them to draw a picture or write a list of their trusted adults.

4. Be non-judgemental:

Explain that you would never blame them for anything that might happen online, and you will always give them calm, loving support.

5. Supervise their online activity:

Keep the devices your child uses in communal areas of the house such as in the living room or kitchen where an adult is able to supervise. Children of this age should not access the internet unsupervised in private spaces, such as alone in a bedroom or bathroom.

6. Talk about how their online actions affect others:

If your child is engaging with others online, remind them to consider how someone else might feel before they post or share something. If they are considering sharing a photo/video of somebody else, they should always ask permission first.

7. Use 'SafeSearch':

Most web search engines will have a 'SafeSearch' function, which will allow you to limit the content your child can access whilst online. Look out for the 'Settings' button on your web browser homepage, which is often shaped like a small egg.

8. Parental controls:

Use the parental controls available on your home broadband and all internet enabled devices in your home. You can find out more about how to use parental controls by visiting your provider's website.

For more information on how to keep your child safe online, please visit:

https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/parents/support-tools/home-activity-worksheets

Fun activities and resources

At school we follow the Coram SCARF approach to PSHE and Online Safety. In response to the Covid-19 crisis, and an increased internet usage, Coram have updated their website to include a free hub for parents and children. Please see the link below.

This site includes lots of friendly, helpful advice for parents as well as fun links and resources for children too: including a daily diary from Harold the giraffe who is a regular visitor to our school PSHE lessons.

In addition to the links and activities above, Coram are also releasing fortnightly home-learning packs for the children, focusing on their physical and emotional health and how we can look after this, particularly at this time of uncertainty and anxiety. These packs can be added to the class web page every two weeks as they get updated online. So please check regularly.