Online Safety
The digital world is an exciting place for children and adults, but it can be hard to keep up with how rapidly things are developing and changing online. While children have the chance to learn and play online, it is more important than ever that they are taught, and supported, to stay safe online.
To help parents and carers enjoy all the benefits the online world has to offer, there are many organisations which offer support that could be useful when exploring the ever-changing features, security and dangers of specific apps and programs their children could be using.
It is important that parents and carers regularly talk to their children about online safety, show an interest in what they are doing online and ask what they like and dislike about the apps and services they use. Discussing age appropriate ‘ground rules’ like how much time they spend online doing different things and what games and apps are appropriate to use, can also form part of this conversation. Also, consider setting up and reviewing age-appropriate parental controls. Setting parental controls can be a quick and effective tool to help protect children online.
How to keep your child Safe Online
Below you will find a wide range of resources aimed mainly at adults to help to keep you informed.
eSafety tips for parents of children aged 6-10
eSafety tips for children aged 7-11
Net Aware (NSPCC) - A new site by NSPCC which allows you top look up common apps to find out how safe they are.
NSPCC - Helpful advice and tools you can use to help keep your child safe whenever and wherever .... Tips to help keep children safe on the internet and social networks. NSPCC Online Safety
Parent Info - A fantastic new website created jointly by CEOP and Parent Zone giving lots of advice about all kinds of topics including eSafety. In particular you may want to read http://parentinfo.org/article/at-what-age-can
Internetmatters.org - Social Media tips for Parents - This is a great website covers a massive range of issues affecting online safety from 'how to set parent controls' to some excellent tips for parents on issues around children's use of social media.
ThinkUKnow - CEOP - Safety tips for Parents - If you are struggling with how to keep your child safe online, or just want further guidance, the ThinkUKnow website from the Child Exploitation & Online Protection Centre (CEOP) is a great place to start.
eSafety Adviser - This site is run by Alan Mackenzie (eSafety Adviser) who provides a wealth of information for teachers and parents on eSafety matters and also publishes a regular online magazine covering eSaefty issues and tips.
Cerebra - Founded in 2001, Cerebra is a unique national charity that strives to improve the lives of children with neurological conditions (including Autism), through research, information and direct, on-going support. On their site you can find some downloadable resources to help parents support children with learning disabilities with internet safety