The internet is a fantastic resource for learning, shopping, playing games, and staying connected with friends and family. For many households, online activity has become an integral part of daily life. However, this digital presence also brings several risks, especially for children and young people. Key concerns include predators targeting vulnerable users, identity theft by hackers, and harassment by trolls and cyberbullies. To enhance online safety, it’s crucial for schools, parents, and children to recognise potential dangers and learn how to prevent and address them. Our school prioritises online safety for our students and educate them and help them navigate the online world, it is crucial that parents play an active role in their child’s online world.

 

Available Resources:

There are numerous resources offering expert advice and support, detailed in our online safety policy. Starting with a conversation with your child is often the best approach. National Online Safety provides a resource outlining important points to consider. Recognising that children and young people often have a better grasp of online environments, these guidelines can help navigate key topics. The NSPCC's Share Aware guide and Net Aware tool offer valuable insights into keeping children safe online and provide reviews on the safety of various apps, games, and social media platforms.

NSPCC: https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/support-for-parents/

Anti-bullying Alliance: https://anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk/

CEOP education: https://www.ceopeducation.co.uk/parents/

BBC Own it: https://www.bbc.com/ownit/the-basics

 

Parental Controls:

The government encourages Internet Service Providers to help parents filter content easily. Activating family-friendly filters can prevent children from accessing inappropriate content at home. Internet Matters and the NSPCC provide step-by-step guides on setting these controls.

 

Specific Online Safety Risks:

 

Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying includes any form of bullying that occurs online or via smartphones, tablets, or computers on platforms such as social networking sites, messaging apps, gaming sites, and chat rooms. Forms of cyberbullying include harassment, denigration, impersonation, and cyberstalking, among others. This behaviour, which can be threatening and involve blackmail or grooming, is not tolerated in our schools. Our response to cyberbullying incidents is detailed in our safeguarding policy. More information can be found at the National Bullying Helpline.

 

Online Radicalisation

Although rare, feelings of stress and isolation can make young people vulnerable to online radicalisation by extremists. Extremists may exploit current events or social issues to promote hateful views and misinformation. Warning signs of radicalisation can be subtle but recognising them is critical. The Educate Against Hate website provides a list of potential indicators. Our schools are dedicated to promoting tolerance, unity, democracy, opportunity, and respect, and we encourage parents to support these values. Further resources are available on the Educate Against Hate website.

 

Online Sexual Abuse:

Online groomers establish emotional connections with children to exploit them sexually. This can involve sexual conversations, sharing of explicit images, or arranging physical meetings. Groomers may use these images to blackmail victims, threatening to share them unless more images are sent. Relationships between peers can also lead to the sharing of sexualised images, which might be used for blackmail, known as 'revenge porn.' The ThinkUKnow website offers further information and advice. Our school teach children about online safety and support them when issues arise. However, monitoring children’s online activity on personal devices outside school hours is challenging. In such cases, we may refer you to specialist providers or the Police, as detailed in our safeguarding policy.

 

Reporting Concerns:

If you have any online safety concerns or are worried about a child, seek help immediately. Please contact at school if  you need advice or support.