The internet is opening new opportunities for everyone, promoting creativity and effective learning, but to use technology effectively requires an awareness of the benefits and risks.
Parents and carers have a key role to play in the online-safety education of their children through promoting internet safety at home. The links and documents below offer information for parents or carers, but the key message from all of these guidelines seems to be 'Talk to Your Child' as social networking usage is very individual.
Below is a list of useful websites and information that can help parents and carers take steps to ensure the online safety of their children. Additional advice on specific social media, gaming platforms and games can be found on the Social Media Sites and Gaming tab:
Internet Matters Incl How to Set Parental Controls
Protect Young Eyes Incl Parental Controls for Specific Devices
Keeping Children Safe Online - NSPCC
Think You Know - A Parent/Carer Guide to the Internet
Common Sense Media - Reviews of Books, TV, Films etc to help parents/carers make informed choices
Additional e-Safety Information
The following websites will help to give parents and carers a greater understanding of the various social networking and gaming sites used by young people.
Live Streaming has become one of the most popular aspects of social media for young people. Young people’s exposure and use of livestreams has increased during lockdown. This CEOP video guide for parents & carers explores the potential risks of livestreaming and contains practical advice to keep children safe.https://youtu.be/6S5cFxoTATs
Online Reputation Checklist - A useful checklist to help young people manage and maintain their online reputation
A Parent/Carer Guide to Instagram
A Parent/Carer Guide to Snapchat
A Parent/Carer Guide to Tik Tok
A Parent/Carer Guide to YouTube
A Parent/ Carer Guide to Facebook
A Parent/Carer Guide to Nintendo Switch
A Parent/Carer Guide to Nintendo 3DS
A Parent/Carer Guide to Fortnite / Recent claims made against Fortnite developers re addictiveness
A Parent/Carer Guide to Minecraft