Learning how to be safe online is an integral part of children’s education in today’s digital world and is embedded in their learning at school. We also want to help our parents/carers and children improve their own understanding of e-safety issues so they can learn to use the internet and all digital media in a safe and secure way.
At School
At Oakfield, children are taught to take a responsible approach when using the internet and online safety is an essential part of the school's curriculum. Staff provide pupils with help and support in order to recognise and avoid online safety risks, and build their resilience. The online safety curriculum is broad, relevant and provides progression through school, enabling pupils to develop age appropriate understanding.
At Home
The internet is a key feature in children's lives - they use it to learn, play, socialise and express themselves. It's a highly creative place of amazing opportunities! But the technology children use every day can seem a bit daunting and many parents/carers worry about the risks a child can face online - such as bullying, contact from strangers or the possibility of seeing illegal or inappropriate content.
It is important to know what your child is doing online, so we advise that parents/carers engage with children regarding their use of the internet while at home. The following conversation starter ideas from www.childnet.com can help:
- Ask your children to tell you about the sites they like to visit and what they enjoy doing online.
- Ask them about how they stay safe online. What tips do they have for you, and where did they learn them? What is OK and not OK to share?
- Ask them if they know where to go for help, where to find the safety advice, privacy settings and how to report or block on the services they use.
- Encourage them to help other people. Perhaps they can show you how to do something online or they might have a friend who would benefit from their help and support.
- Think about how you use the internet as a family. What could you do to get more out of the internet together and further enjoy your lives online?
Internet Safety Resources
The Department for Education have designed an online safety tool for parents called Parent Info. It's has advice on everything from keeping children safe from online trolls to 'WhatsApp - a guide for parents.'
Childnet is a useful website resource for parents and children on online safety. Click on the logo above to access the website.
Internet Matters is another useful site , offering advice on cyberbullying, how to talk to your children about internet safety and quick guides to different types of social media such as Instagram and Snapchat. You can visit their pages here Internet Matters.
The following quick links to a range of Internet safety sites are also very useful!