Keeping safe on the Internet

What is E-Safety?

E-safety is the safe use of information systems and electronic communications, including the internet, mobile phones and games consoles. It is important that children and young people understand the benefits, risks and responsibilities of using information technology.

Using the Internet safely at home

Whilst many Internet Service Providers (ISPs) offer filtering systems to help you safeguard your child at home, it remains surprisingly easy for children to access inappropriate material including unsuitable texts, pictures and movies. Parents are advised to set the security levels within Internet browsers with this in mind. Locating the computer or tablet in a family area, not a bedroom, will enable you to supervise children as they use the Internet. However, don’t deny your child the opportunity to learn from the wide variety of material and games available on the Internet. Instead, set some simple rules for keeping them safe and make sure they understand the importance of these rules.

Simple rules for keeping your child safe

  • Ask permission before using the Internet.
  • Only use websites you have chosen together or a child friendly search engine.
  • Only email people they know (why not consider setting up an address book?)
  • Ask permission before opening an email sent by someone they don’t know.
  • Do not use Internet chat rooms.
  • Do not use their real name when using games on the Internet (create a nick name.)
  • Never give out a home address, phone or mobile number.
  • Never tell someone where they go to school.
  • Never arrange to meet someone they have ‘met’ on the Internet.
  • Only use a webcam with people they know.
  • Ask them to tell you immediately if they see anything they are unhappy with.

Using these rules

Go through the rules with your child and pin them up near the computer. It is also a good idea to regularly check the Internet sites your child is visiting e.g. by clicking on History and Favourites. Please reassure your child that you want to keep them safe rather than take Internet access away from them.

Talking to your children about staying safe online

We regularly use our PSHE lessons to remind your children about the importance of staying safe online. You can use some of the resources below to continue the conversation.

With the internet so accessible it’s important that young people can surf safely. With that in mind, we’ve put together a handful of the best sites that have content both for young people and for their teachers and parents or carers.

Zip It, Block It, Flag It - To help your enjoy the internet safely, the UK Council for Child Internet Safety (UKCCIS) has developed the Click Clever, Click Safe code which has useful information for young people and for parents.

Kid Smart - Other websites of interest include Childnet’s Kid Smart, where young people can play games and test their internet safety, and teachers and parents can find all sorts of useful resources.

CBBC Stay Safe - Then there’s the BBC’s CBBC Stay Safe website which has a wealth of information and useful links presented in a friendly and interactive way.

Think U Know - The Think U Know website is also worth taking a look at, with separate sites for 5-7, 8-10, 11-16 year olds, as well as parents and teachers.