Online Safety
At St. Agnes we have truly explored the importance of E-Safety and were awarded the 360 Degree Safe Mark in recognition of this (December 19). It is our aim to ensure the whole family of St. Agnes are responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information and communication technology.
In order to maintain this we will continue to include an E-Safety section in our weekly newsletter. The aim of this is to provide parents, carers, staff and children with key information to help stay up to date on all that is E- Safety. We will provide you with discussion topics to help develop an easy to follow guide for children should they find they have any issues online.
Creating Good Habits
Technology use should be transparent
Encourage the use of technology in a central family area. This will make it easier to keep an eye on your child’s activities. The best protection still remains that of adult supervision.
Ask your child about what kinds of sites online and what mobile apps they like to use and why. Revisit the conversation from time to time. You could discuss:
- Their favourite online sites
- What they enjoy most?
- What do they think could go wrong?
- How would they react if things got out of control?
Online strangers
Speak with your child about never arranging to actually meet a person they met online and never share personal information with anyone online.
Be respectful
Online should be a place for all. If you wouldn’t be prepared to say it to someone in person don’t text it, instant message it, or post it as a comment online.
Actions and Consequences
Encourage your child to consider the possible consequences of their online actions. Suggest they stop for a moment to consider the possible consequences of their text or online post before they proceed. Remember, what is put online stays online.
Privacy settings and sharing controls
Social networking sites such as Instagram, TikTok or Snapchat have sharing and privacy controls to manage who sees their personal posts, photos, videos, etc. Using sharing and privacy settings correctly is very important.
Critically evaluate what’s online
Just because you see something online, it is not a guarantee that it is true. Encourage your child to be critical as not everything is what it appears to be.
Useful Websites
Childnet International
The Childnet International website gives internet safety advice and links for young people, parents, teachers and other organisations.
Internet Matters
Internet matters shows age appropriate technology boundaries for use at home. They also provide some very good resources and information for parents.
Own It
Own It demonstrates how children can use the internet in a positive and confident way, through stories and videos with children in Upper KS2.
Better Internet for Kids
This site promotes safe digital habits for children throughout Europe. Has blog posts for trending internet topics and even has a hotline where families can receive support and report anything suspicious online.
GOV.UK Safety Guide
A practical guide for parents and carers whose children are using social media.
NSPCC
Support and tips to help you keep children safe. From advice on children’s mental health to staying safe online, support for parents and what to do if you’re worried about a child.
Parent Info
Parent Info offers support and information on online safety, as well as other subjects which may come about with the use of technology and interacting with others online.
Common Sense Media
Struggling to keep up with the media and tech your kids are using? Common Sense’s Parents’ Ultimate Guides can help keep you up to date and answer your questions about all the latest titles and trends.
UK Safer Internet Centre
On the UK Safer Internet Centre website, you can find e-safety tips, advice and resources to help children and young people stay safe on the internet.