Keeping your child safe online
Online safety is a vitally important part of modern education and something that is engaged with by all year groups at Fairfields.
Pupils have weekly online safety activities delivered by their class teacher as well as the topic being taught as part of their weekly computing lessons. Each year the whole school takes part in Internet Safety Day in February.
The online world is a rapidly changing landscape, therefore we aim to instill values and behaviours that will allow our students to be safe regardless of technological developments. By the end of their time with Fairfields they should be able to:
- use technology safely, respectfully and responsibly;
- recognise acceptable/unacceptable behaviour;
- identify a range of ways to report concerns about content and contact
Top Tips
- Prioritise safety - Teach children not to give out personal information. This includes their name, address, and telephone number. Other details about their life can give away more information than they might think. Children should avoid posting which school they go to or uploading pictures of themselves in their uniform.
- Set parental controls - Work together with your child to agree a list of websites they can visit. Remember to check the minimum age limit on services like Facebook, Tik Tok and YouTube. Most social media channels have an age limit of 13.
- Be open - Let them know that they can tell you about anything that happens on the internet. Try to listen without judgement or anger. With older children, explain your worries so they can see the reasoning behind any rules you set.
- Location - Think about locating your computer in a supervised, family area to help you oversee what your child is accessing. Despite parental controls which you may have in place, unfortunately sometimes children can be exposed to unwanted and unpleasant comment content.
- Discuss their activity - Take an interest in their online world. Talk to them about their favourite websites, videos, and their online friends. This will keep communication open between you and your child.
- Set boundaries - Establish time limits for activities such as using the internet and gaming. Make sure to set aside time for 'unplugged' family activities.
Parental Controls Booklet
Weblinks for Keeping Safe Online
CEOP helps any child or young person under the age of 18 who is being pressured, forced or tricked into taking part in sexual activity of any kind. You can visit the CEOP Safety Centre for information and advice and make a report directly to CEOP.
Online safety advice for all ages groups, parents & carers.
Setting parental controls on various game consoles
Block or limit specific apps and features on your Apple devices.
How to set up filters on your home internet
A guide for parents and carers from Gov.uk
Your guide to the social networks your children use
NSPCC - Keeping Children Safe Online
UK Safer Internet Centre - Guide for parents and carers
What I wish my parents or carers knew: A guide for parents on managing children’s digital lives
