Internet Safety

Internet Safety: Information for Parents and Carers

There have been incidents recently highlighted by the media that have raised enquires from Parents, as to HOW they can protect their children whilst on the internet. This information has been collated to give parents a reference for sources of useful advice and support. Our children have access to the internet via School, friends, and libraries and even via mobile phones, so this information is important even if you may not have internet access in the home.

Whilst we seek to protect our children it is important to keep the risk in perspective, as there are benefits to the use of the internet. It is really a case of taking simple, sensible steps along with parental/carer vigilance, to minimise the risk, and equip our children with the knowledge and skills to keep them safe from harm.

SAFE staying safe involves being careful and not giving out your name, address, mobile phone no, school name or password to people online.

MEETING someone you have contacted in cyberspace can be dangerous. Only do so with your parent/carers permission, and then when they can be present.

ACCEPTING e-mails or opening files from people you don't really know or trust can get you into trouble - they may contain viruses or nasty messages.

RELIABLE - Someone online maybe lying about who they are, and information you find on the Internet may not be reliable.

TELL your parent or carer if someone or something makes you feel uncomfortable or worried.

Be Safe, Be Smart, have fun online

There are various useful websites that give excellent advice and information

www.childnet-int.org Has the following internet safety rules for ages 8-14 and other useful information for parents and carers.
www.thinkuknow.co.uk - is linked to CEOP website and provides internet safety advice for parents, carers and young people regarding Chat and instant messenger, blogs and forums, mobiles, games, internet grooming etc.
www.internetsafetyzone.co.uk - Gives advice for parents and also age appropriate content for young people including cyberbullying.
www.iwf.org.uk - Is the UK hotline for reporting illegal content on the internet.
www.safekids.com - Has excellent printable tips for staying safe online.
www.childsafeactive.com - Has simple steps to shield your child from accessing unsuitable internet content.
www.kidsmart.org.uk - Has games teaching online internet safety, and has downloadable guides.
www.nch.org.uk/information - Has information on internet safety and guidance including parental control software information.
www.ceop.gov.uk - Is The Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) Centre and works in the UK. CEOP also provides an online service for reporting concerns.

However if a child is in DANGER please contact the Police IMMEDIATELY.

These are just some of the many sites available, so you can see there is plenty of excellent information and guidance available to parents, carers and young people. Spend some time having a look at the guidance and discuss it with your child to come up with appropriate suitable safety rules.