Camp Hill Primary Schools’ Top Tip to keep children safe online

With lockdown meaning that children are at home, the onus is on you parents and carers to help facilitate remote learning and try to keep their children entertained. This could mean that your child is spending more time online (on laptops, xbox’s, phones, tablets etc). Here are some top tips to help keep your children safe online.

1. Monitor your child’s communication and online activity.

It’s important to remind your child that despite being at home, the same level of behaviour and conduct exists as if they were at school. Encourage them to remain polite, remember their manners and not to post or send any negative comments just because they are behind a computer

1. Talk to your child about the games/ sites they are on.

Ask them what they are on and even take a look if you like. If you are unsure on if the game is suitable then you can check it’s age restrictions and content on https://pegi.info/ by typing the games title into the search bar. You can also check social networks, apps and games on https://www.net-aware.org.uk/

1. Remind children of the SMART rules when online

SAFE:

Keep your personal information safe. When chatting or posting online don’t give away things like your full name, password or home address. Remember personal information can be seen in images and videos you share too. Keep them safe to keep    yourself safe.

MEET:

Meeting up with someone you only know online, even a friend of a friend, can be dangerous as this person is still a stranger. If someone you only know online ever asks you to meet up, for personal information or for photos/videos of you then tell an adult straight away and report them together on www.thinkuknow.co.uk

ACCEPTING:

Think carefully before you click on or open something online (e.g. links, adverts, friend requests, photos) as you never know where they may lead to or they may contain viruses. Do not accept something if you are unsure of who the person is or what they’ve sent you.

RELIABLE:

You cannot trust everything you see online as some things can be out of date, inaccurate or not entirely true. To find reliable information compare at least three different websites, check in books and talk to someone about what you have found.

TELL:

Tell a trusted adult if something or someone ever makes you feel upset, worried or confused. This could be if you or someone you know is being bullied online. There are lots of people who will be able to help you, like your teachers, parents and carers or contact Childline – 0800 11 11 or www.childline.org.uk

There is a lot of help and advise for online safety issues online. If you have any issues or need more support please contact your child’s teacher through email or call the school on 0794070519.