Online Safety
Children’s use of the internet is becoming more mobile and interactive, offering young people more opportunities to interact and meet new people. While we feel that the use of technology is a largely positive aspect of modern life, we cannot ignore the risks that can be associated, so it’s never been more important to make sure we are helping our children to stay safe in the digital world.
At Reignhead we aim to teach children content taken from each of the eight strands shown below (Project EVOLVE):
- Self Image and Identity - Shaping online identities and how media impacts on gender and stereotypes;
- Online Relationships - Relationships and behaviours may lead to harm and how positive online interaction can empower and amplify voice;
- Online Reputation - Strategies to manage personal digital content effectively;
- Online Bullying - Strategies for effective reporting and intervention and how bullying and other aggressive behaviour relates to legislation;
- Managing Online Information - Strategies for effective searching, critical evaluation and ethical publishing;
- Health, Well-being and Lifestyle - The impact that technology has on health, well-being and lifestyle;
- Privacy and Security - Behavioural and technical strategies to limit impact on privacy and protect data;
- Copyright and Ownership - Protecting personal content.
Below are a list of useful websites, advice and resources that you may find helpful when navigating the issue of online safety with your child.
Useful resources and links
BBC https://www.bbc.com/ownit
The BBC have a website and app called Own It. The website has a lot of content for children to help them navigate their online lives, and the free smartphone app comes with a special keyboard which can intervene with help and support in the moments that children need it the most.
CEOP http://ceop.police.uk/safety-centre/
Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) is part of the National Crime Agency and their website can be used to report if you are worried about online abuse or the way someone is communicating online.
Childnet http://www.childnet.com/parents-and-carers
Childnet International is a registered UK charity that aims to make the internet a safe place for children and young people. Packed with resources it is a great resource for parents.
Internet Matters https://www.internetmatters.org/advice/esafety-leaflets-resources/
A comprehensive web resource with a wide array of tips and advice on how to navigate the online world with your child.
National Online Safety https://nationalonlinesafety.com/resources/platform-guides/
National Online Safety's mission is to make the internet a safer place for children. They aim to do this by equipping school staff, parents and children with the knowledge they need to understand online dangers and how best to react should an incident arise. The link above provides up to date information about a wide variety of social media apps and platforms your child might be using.
NSPCC http://www.nspcc.org.uk/preventing-abuse/keeping-children-safe/share-aware/
The NSPCC are the first to admit that the internet is amazing. Children can play, learn, create and connect - opening up a whole world of exciting possibilities. But with the digital world changing all the time, how can you make sure your child’s staying safe? That’s where the NSPCC come in. Whether you’re an online expert or you’re not sure where to start, their tools and advice will help you keep your child safe.
SafetoNet https://safetonet.com/
SafeToNet is technology that educates children “in-the-moment” as they use their device. It is a safeguarding assistant that helps them become responsible and safe digital citizens. Its power lies in a smart keyboard that detects risks in real-time. It steers children away from trouble by filtering harmful outgoing messages before they can be sent and any damage can be done.
Thinkuknow http://www.thinkuknow.co.uk
Thinkuknow is an education programme from the National Crime Agency’s CEOP Command. Since 2006, it aims to ensure that everyone has access to this practical information – children, young people, their parents and carers and the professionals who work with them.
A parents guide to Apps
From building skills to staying active, find suggestions for new apps for your child by choosing a guide below:
Apps to supporting digital wellbeing https://www.internetmatters.org/resources/wellbeing-apps-guide-for-kids/
Apps to help kids get active https://www.internetmatters.org/resources/apps-guide/apps-to-help-kids-get-active/
Apps for entertainment https://www.internetmatters.org/resources/13-great-apps-to-keep-your-kids-amused-in-the-school-holidays/
To learn more about different apps to support children’s wellbeing, skill-building and downtime, go to:
https://www.internetmatters.org/resources/apps-guide/#apps-guides
Online Safety Documents
To view and download our Online Safety policy (which includes our Acceptable Use agreements) and our parental consent and agreement contract, please click below:
