Being online is an integral part of children and young people’s lives. Social media, online games, websites and apps can be accessed through mobile phones, computers, laptops and tablets – all of which form a part of children and young people’s online world.

The internet and online technology provides new opportunities for young people’s learning and growth, but it can also expose them to new types of risks.

E-safety is a fundamental part of Stobhillgate’s safeguarding and child protection measures.  Our whole school approach to online safety helps ensure staff, governors, volunteers and parents teach children about online safety.

Here at Stobhillgate, we foster an open environment in which children and young people are encouraged to ask any questions and participate in an ongoing conversation about the benefits and dangers of the online world.

If you have any concerns either about the information shared here or any other aspect of safeguarding, please contact Glen Whitehead (Deputy Safeguarding Lead/Headteacher) or Ben Henderson (Designated Safeguarding Lead/Deputy Headteacher) / Safeguarding Governor Stacey Parry – all via the school office/telephone or email.

Keeping Your Child Safe Online

How can you help to keep your children safe online?  We very much hope these top tips are useful…

  • Know what your children are doing online and who they are talking to. Ask them to teach you to use any applications you have never used.
  • Keeping the computer in a family room means that you can share your child’s online experience – and that they are less likely to act inappropriately (i.e. via webcam).
  • Help your children to understand that they should never give out personal details to online friends — personal information includes their messenger ID, email address, mobile number and any pictures of themselves, their family or friends.
  • If your child publishes a picture or video online, anyone can change it or
    share it. Remind them that anyone may be looking at their images and one day a future employer could!
  • If your child receives spam/junk email & texts, remind them never to believe them, reply to them or use them. It’s not a good idea for your child to open files that are from people they don’t know. They won’t know what they contain — it could be a virus, or
    worse — an inappropriate image or film.
  • Help your child to understand that some people lie online and therefore it’s better to keep online mates online. They should never meet up with any strangers without an adult they trust.
  • Always keep communication open for a child to know that it’s never too late to tell someone if something makes them feel uncomfortable.
  • Teach young people how to block someone online and how to report them if they feel uncomfortable.

 

For further information about e-safety and some useful guides, check out the following links:

NSPCC Online Safety Advice

NSPCC Internet Safety for Kids

O2 NSPCC Parents vs Kids

Net Aware

National Online Safety