Online Safety Guide
The online world offers a vast and exciting playground for young people. It's a place to connect with friends, explore new interests, and discover a wealth of information. From educational resources to creative communities, the internet can be a powerful tool for learning and growth.
However, it's important to be aware of the potential downsides. Just like any playground, there can be bumps and bruises along the way. Cyberbullying, inappropriate content, and online predators are all real concerns.
The key is for young people to be active participants in their online safety. By learning about these risks and taking precautions, they can navigate the online world with confidence. This includes things like setting strong passwords, being mindful of what information they share, and knowing who to turn to if they encounter something uncomfortable.
With a healthy balance of awareness and exploration, the online world can be a positive and enriching force in the lives of young people.
E-safety resources for parents
Here are some resources about online safety for parents/carers that you might find helpful.
- Keeping your child safe online – a checklist for parents and carers
- Cyberbullying – what it is and what to do about it
- Accessing inappropriate websites leaflet
- Facebook parents' guide
- Online grooming – the risks children face online
- Think You Know – website with useful information about, for example, what children are doing online, what risks they face and how to help them stay safe.
- The NSPCC website (Keeping Children Safe section) has useful information on topics such as online safety, sexting, parental controls and Share Aware, a campaign which provides straightforward advice to parents on how to keep 8-12-year-olds safe on social networks
- The 5 digital parenting rules that REALLY matter – from ParentInfo.org.uk, which also has useful information about privacy settings and Digital Resilience – A Parent's Guide
- Getsafeonline.org – free up-to-date security advice
- cybermentors.org.uk – online support for children
- ceop.police.uk – website of the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre
- bbc.co.uk – guidance on online safety
Vaping
If your child is vaping, the resources below may help support them in stopping.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4o3ilaofguM
https://smokefreesheffield.org/get-involved/campaigns/vaping-the-facts/
https://campaignresources.phe.gov.uk/schools/resources/vaping-ks3-form-time-activities
