Advice for Parents and Carers on how to keep children safe online

We know that a huge number of our children are actively participating in an online world.  The majority of children's experiences of the Internet are fun, safe and a wealth of learning opportunities can be found online. However, it is vitally important that we teach children to explore this world safely and with the knowledge of how to keep themselves safe.

There are an increasing number of sites and web content that can be upsetting and even dangerous for children. Chilton Primary advises that parents engage with children in all aspects of their online activities:

- Be aware of how your child engages with the online world (gaming / youtube / website surfing)

- Talk to your child about their online habits 

- Be aware if your child is engaging in social networking and decide what is appropriate for your child.

- Make sure your child knows what to do if they do come across inappropriate content or something that makes them feel uncomfortable. 

-Make sure your child accesses age appropriate content and gaming.

- Check your own parental controls on ipads, mobiles devices and computers

- Make sure that your children don't share personal information unnecessarily or unsafely

- Consider limiting screen time or having a set time that the WiFi goes OFF!

Government advice on keeping children safe online:

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

Here's a little video made by the children during online safety week 2021:

 

Kent Police have published parent resources in support of Safer Internet Day 2021 - click here to access!

Here are two resources to support families with online safety at home:

Digital Parenting 

A free online safety guide, created by The Vodafone Foundation and Parent Zone. It is packed with important information and expert advice on issues relating to Key Stage 1 to Key Stage 4, including: Managing children's sleep and setting digital boundaries; How children can enjoy a safer start on social media; Better family communication around tech; Expert advice on gaming addiction, self-harm and virtual reality and creating a better family digital-life balance

Resources and Golden Rules

This helps family reach agreements on screen time and behaviour online

For further help and advice:

CEOP

The place to get advice on and report an inappropriate or potentially illegal content or action that you see online.

Childline

An online resource helping to make the Internet a great and safe place for children

Digizen

A fantastic resource that includes all sorts of advice on how we, as adults, can encourage children to become responsible digital citizen and discerning when viewing digital content.

Internet Matters

Helping parents keep their children safe online.

Know It All for Parents 

A unique interactive E-safety guide put together by Childnet International. 

Kidsmart 

A fantastic online resource with excellent E-safety tips. There is also a fantastic children’s section for your children to explore.

NSPCC guide to online safety 

Advice on the appropriateness of online content from the NSPCC.

NSPCC guide to social networks 

Advice for social networking.

ThinkUKnow

An excellent website that has all sorts of advice for parents and carers as well as sections for children who want to learn about E-safety for themselves - an excellent resource to look at as a family. 

UK Safer Internet Centre 

This website contains a wealth of resources and content about how to keep children safe online. They are also the group behind the Safer Internet Day initiative that is celebrated on a yearly basis.

Digital Life Skills 

A site with guidance on advice on how children can become confident and resilient online.

Other Resources

Safer Internet Day

Kim and Lee's Adventure (A cartoon teaching 5-7 year olds to be safe online)

Fact Sheet for Parents

Supporting Young People Online

Ofcom's report on use of media:

https://www.ofcom.org.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0024/134907/Children-and-Parents-Media-Use-and-Attitudes-2018.pdf