Social networking is hugely popular.Many young people are sophisticated in the way they use social media apps and websites, tailoring their communication for different audiences, and accessing them from a range of devices including smartphones, tablets, and games consoles. But social media, like all forms of public
communication, comes with some risks. Not all of these risks turn into actual problems; and if children never face any risks, they never learn how to deal with them. By helping your child understand what the risks are, you can play a big part in preventing them from turning into problems.
It is important to establish an environment where you can talk to your child openly about the benefits and the risks attached to using electronic devices and the Internet. Indeed sharing the benefits with them will allow you to model good practice in terms of keeping safe. It is recommended that you put in place relevant parental controls and that you monitor what your child is accessing, ensuring it is age appropriate, when they are accessing and for how long. If conflicts arise involving other children from school, particularly if it affects them during the school day, keep us informed so that we can help educate pupils accordingly.
Useful Internet Links For Parents & Carers
Vodafone Digital Parenting www.vodafone.com/parents
Parents in the digital age http://www.pitda.co.uk
Child exploitation & online protection centre www.ceop.police.uk
The parent zone http://www.theparentzone.co.uk/parent
Parent info http://parentinfo.org
Get safe online www.getsafeonline.org
Internet matters www.internetmatters.org
Childnet international www.childnet.com
Parent controls http://www.saferinternet.org.uk/advice-and-resources/parents-and-carers/parental-controls
ParentPort www.parentport.org.uk
ThinkuKnow www.thinkuknow.co.uk/parents
Uk safer internet centre www.saferinternet.org.uk
Connect safely http://www.connectsafely.org/safety-tips-advice
BBC webwise http://www.bbc.co.uk/webwise/0/
CyberSense is a new E-safety app designed to help parents talk about e-safety issues with their children to ensure that they make smart choices to stay safe online. Aimed at children aged between 8-10 it will help them think about what they would do if they were faced with different situations online; from cyberbullying to sharing content with someone they don’t know.
CyberSense - New e-safety App | Internet Matters
CyberSense is our new app designed to help parents talk about e-safety issues with their children to ensure that they make smart choices to stay safe online.
You can find out more about how children use social media, the apps they use, the risks they face, how to use privacy settings, and advice and tips about how to talk to your children at:
• www.childnet.com/sns
• www.internetmatters.org
• www.nspcc.org.uk/onlinesafety
• www.parentzone.org.uk
• www.thinkyouknow.co.uk/parents
• www.askaboutgames.com