Online Safety
Online Safety at Bede Community Primary School
At Bede Community Primary School, we recognise the importance of online safety in helping our children navigate the digital world in a safe, respectful, and responsible manner. As technology becomes an essential part of learning and everyday life, we are committed to supporting parents and carers in safeguarding their children online. Below, you’ll find useful resources and websites to help you learn more about keeping your child safe in the digital world.
Top Online Safety Websites for Parents
NSPCC - Net Aware
Net Aware, created by the NSPCC, is an invaluable resource that helps parents stay informed about the apps, games, and social media platforms children use. It provides:
- Age ratings for various platforms.
- Tips on privacy settings to enhance security.
- Conversation starters for discussing online experiences with your child.
Why it’s helpful: Net Aware helps you stay up to date on digital trends, understand potential risks, and make informed decisions about what’s safe for your child.
Childnet International - Parents and Carers Toolkit
Childnet provides a comprehensive toolkit specifically designed for parents and carers. The toolkit includes:
- Conversation prompts to engage your child in discussions about online safety.
- Advice on balancing screen time and establishing healthy digital habits.
- Guides on privacy settings and protecting personal data online.
Why it’s helpful: The resources here equip parents with practical tips and conversation ideas to support open and honest discussions with their children about their online activities.
Childnet International - Parents and Carers Toolkit
Internet Matters - Parent Resources
Internet Matters offers a wide range of resources dedicated to keeping children safe online. This site provides:
- Easy-to-follow guides on parental controls across devices and platforms.
- Tailored advice for specific age groups, from early years through to teenagers.
- Help for managing specific risks such as cyberbullying, exposure to inappropriate content, and online grooming.
Why it’s helpful: This website provides step-by-step instructions to secure your child’s devices and empowers parents with the knowledge to handle various online safety issues.
Internet Matters - Parent Resources
CEOP (Child Exploitation and Online Protection) - ThinkUKnow
ThinkUKnow is a government-supported online safety programme from CEOP, offering:
- Interactive videos and activities that teach children about online safety in a fun and engaging way.
- Age-appropriate guidance to help parents understand the risks children may face online.
- A reporting tool for when things go wrong, allowing parents and children to report concerning online behaviour.
Why it’s helpful: ThinkUKnow provides practical, engaging resources for both children and parents, making it easier to understand the risks together and take proactive steps.
UK Safer Internet Centre - Advice for Parents
The UK Safer Internet Centre offers a variety of tips and tools aimed at promoting safe and responsible technology use. This site includes:
- Clear advice on online safety for families.
- Privacy settings guides for popular platforms and apps.
- Family agreement templates to help set household rules around internet use.
Why it’s helpful: With easy-to-understand guides, this site is perfect for establishing clear online safety boundaries at home.
UK Safer Internet Centre - Advice for Parents
Useful Tools for Managing Online Safety
Parental Control Software
Using parental control software is an excellent way to monitor and manage your child’s online activity. Here are some popular options:
- Qustodio (https://www.qustodio.com/en/)
- Norton Family (https://uk.norton.com/products/norton-family)
- Kaspersky Safe Kids (https://www.kaspersky.co.uk/safe-kids)
These tools allow you to:
- Set time limits on apps or screen time.
- Monitor online activity and block inappropriate content.
- Filter websites and manage which apps your child can use.
Tips for Talking to Your Child About Online Safety
- Start the conversation early: It’s important to introduce online safety concepts to your child from an early age. Make it part of regular conversations.
- Be involved: Ask your child about their favourite apps and games, and take an interest in their online world.
- Set clear rules: Establish guidelines for internet use, including when and where devices can be used.
- Model positive behaviour: Demonstrate good online habits by following similar rules, such as no devices at the dinner table.
Need More Help?
If you have concerns about your child's online safety or would like further advice, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with school and set up a meeting with Mr. White our Computing Coordinator. We are here to provide guidance and support in keeping your child safe online.
Together, we can ensure our children at Bede Community Primary School develop safe and responsible digital habits. Be sure to check this page regularly for updates and new resources on online safety.