Online Safety
Keeping children and young people safe online can be a real challenge at times, technology moves at such a fast pace and is now a growing safeguarding concern. The good news is there's lots of support out there to keep young people safe online. Thank you to Northamptonshire County Council who have sent through lots of resources and advice to support your child/children whilst we are closed.
Advice for parents​:
- Talk to your child about the websites, games and apps that they use. By understanding and involving yourself in their internet use, you are helping them keep safe.
- Be positive about the internet and remember that it is a fantastic learning and communication tool.
- Try not to overreact to minor issues. Children often worry that you may take away their internet access, they may become secretive and hide problems from you.
- Keep PCs, laptops and games consoles out of bedrooms wherever possible. Having the laptop in a family room makes it easier for you to monitor your child’s internet use, whilst still giving them privacy.
- Set clear and consistent ground rules and expectations for your child’s online behaviour. If they understand what is and is not acceptable, it may help them with any problems in the future.
Online safety family agreement:
A family agreement is a great way to start a conversation with your whole family about how you all use the internet and discuss together how to behave in a positive way when online at home, at school or at a friend’s house. If young people are at the heart of setting the rules they are more likely to buy into them. Why not create one together by clicking on the document below.
Online safety resources and ideas for 3-7 year olds online:
https://www.childnet.com/resources/smartie-the-penguin
https://www.childnet.com/resources/digiduck-stories
https://www.childnet.com/resources/keeping-under-fives-safe-online
https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/4_7/
https://www.childnet.com/resources/screen-time-and-healthy-balance-quick-activities
Online safety resources and ideas for 8-11 year olds online:
https://beinternetlegends.withgoogle.com/en_uk/toolkit
https://www.childnet.com/resources/trust-me
https://www.childnet.com/resources/digital-resilience
https://www.childnet.com/resources/screen-time-and-healthy-balance-quick-activities
https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/8_10/
https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/11_13/
Parent Zone:
Parent Zone are the experts in digital family life. They provide support and information to parents, children and schools, working globally to help families to navigate the internet safely and confidently. They work with parents, schools, governments and businesses to study, understand and address the impact of emerging technologies on young people. Parent Zone have kindly shared the link below for parents to access if they would benefit from further advice or access to online training.