Online Safety - pARENTS

Online Safety is an important part of keeping children safe at St Anselm’s Catholic School. Online Safety is taught to all pupils and our curriculum empowers students to understand and be aware how they can to stay safe and behave appropriately online but we can only be successful in keeping children safe online if we work with you.

Your help is needed to talk to your children about how they can keep themselves safe and behave appropriately online. For example, did you know that the minimum age to open an account on Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat is 13? Also, even if posts on Instagram are private, the profile is public (anyone can see the profile photo, username and bio).

 It’s important that we are all vigilant when children are using the internet and act to ensure they are protected from people who may pose a risk to them. Children can accidently or deliberately be exposed to illegal, unwanted or unpleasant content, comments or activity online and there are steps you can take at home to minimise this risk.

 Ground Rules

• Discuss together as a family how the internet will be used in your house.
• Consider what information should be kept private (such as personal information, photos in school uniform etc)
• Discuss using strong passwords with your child so they understand how they can protect their online accounts
•  Consider locating your child’s computers and laptops in a family area

 Online Safety

• Install antivirus software, secure your internet connection and use Parental Control functions for computers, mobile phones and games consoles to block unsuitable content or contact from unknown people.
• Make sure you read any parental guidance and safety recommendations (including age requirements – most popular social networking sites and apps are only for users aged 13+, 16+ or 18+) for any apps or websites before allowing your child to use them .

Listen

• Take an active interest in your child’s life online and talk openly with them about the things they do. Talk to your child and ask them to show or even teach you how they use the internet, learn which websites or tools they like to use and why.

 Dialogue – keep talking

• Ensure that your child knows that once a picture, video or comment is sent or posted online, then it can be very difficult to remove as other people can forward it and share it with others, without them even knowing.
• Always ensure your child knows how to report and block people online who may send nasty or inappropriate messages or content.
• Make sure your child knows it’s important that they tell an adult they trust if anything happens online that makes them feel scared, worried or uncomfortable.

Remember, the internet is an essential part of young people’s lives and provides them with tremendous opportunities. The vast majority use it without coming to any harm so it’s essential to be realistic: banning the internet or web sites often will not work and it can make a child feel less able to report a problem or concern, so education around safe use is essential.

If you are worried that your child is at risk of harm or a criminal offence has been committed,  then you can report your concerns to the Police (101 or 999 if there is an immediate risk) or Children’s Social Care (03000 41 11 11 or email social.services@kent.gov.uk)

You can also report any online incidents to  CEOP's Child Protection Advisors using the CEOP button below.

Your child’s house office are available to discuss and offer any help you may need or concerns that you may have.