Online Safety & Technology
You can find Initio's Online Safety Policy on our policies and documents page – click here.
The internet is a fantastic resource of information and entertainment. However, there are many examples of ways children can be exposed to danger and risk online without proper supervision and guidance. As a parent, the balance between giving your child the freedom to explore and learn, and keeping them safe can be difficult. Your child may not feel they need a parent's support, but it is vital you support them whilst they learn to use technology safely.
Children can access the online world through a variety of ways including, mobile phones, tablets, games consoles and any electronic devices that can share information, pictures or video need to be considered.
What are the potential issues with online safety and technology?
Childnet lists many topics that give information about potential problems of going online and using technology. These include, cyberbullying, grooming and in-app purchases. For more information visit their website here.
In addition, the Government has produced advice for parents and carers about cyberbullying here.
A video called ‘Kayleigh’s Love Story’ highlights the dangers of social media and the risk of online grooming. You can watch it here.
How do I know if a game, film or book is suitable for my child?
Like films, video games carry a PEGI age rating for more information on PEGI click here. For further advice and reviews from parents common sense media provides a search facility with information about age appropriateness of games and films.
https://www.commonsensemedia.org/
How can I protect my child?
It's important you spend time reading and researching matters related to online safety and discuss this with your child at home. Whilst open and frank conversations with a child can be difficult, it is vital you do this to keep them safe. In addition, you can ‘take control’ of how they use the internet and technology. Please visit the NSPCC guide here for advice on how to apply parental controls on a variety of devices.
Keeping children safe on the Internet is important for parents and carers as well as staff at Hayeswood First School. In School we use Childnet's Get Smart rules to help the children.
These sites also have some really helpful content:
Please find below some helpful information to help you as parents and carers talk to your child about online safety.
http://www.esafety-adviser.com/latest-newsletter/?mc_cid=30fb7d16ea&mc_eid=7804207598
If you are concerned about the amount of time your child spends looking at screens or would like to know how to add controls to their Internet use, there are some useful reflections and tips in these guides:
https://www.consumernotice.org/data-protection/internet-safety-for-kids/
https://www.gocompare.com/broadband/parental-controls/
https://www.nvisioncenters.com/education/screen-time-and-your-eyes/
https://myvision.org/guides/screen-time-guide/
Further Support
If you have concerns, please speak with Mr S Rayner the schools e-safety champion. You may contact him by email at srayner@colehillfirstschool.org
In addition, the following websites contain useful information: