Internet Safety at Home: A Quick Guide

1. Internet Filtering:

• Consider using Internet Service Providers' filtering systems.
• Keep in mind that even with filters, children can stumble upon inappropriate content.

2. Device Placement:

• Set up the Internet-accessible device in a family area.
• Supervise your child's online activities while allowing them to explore the Internet's educational and entertaining resources.

3. Balanced Approach:

• Encourage your child to learn from the wide variety of online material and games.
• Establish clear, simple rules to ensure their safety and help them understand the rules' importance.

Safety Rules:

• Always ask for permission before using the Internet.
• Limit website usage to those you've jointly selected or child-friendly search engines.
• Allow email communication only with known contacts (consider maintaining an address book).
• Seek permission before opening emails from unknown senders.
• Avoid Internet chat rooms.
• Use a pseudonym (nick name) instead of real names for online gaming.
• Never share home addresses or personal contact details.
• Keep school information confidential.
• Never share images of themselves, their home, or school.
• Never arrange meetings with online acquaintances.
• Use webcams only with people they know.
• Instruct them to promptly report any distressing online content.

Safety first – make the Internet a secure and enriching place for your child!

Useful Link:

https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/

Think U Know Guide to internet safety for parents and young people.

Using these rules

Go through the rules with your child and ensure they understand what you suggest. It is also a good idea to regularly check the Internet sites your child is visiting e.g. by clicking on History and Favourites. Please reassure your child that you want to keep them safe rather than take Internet access away from them.

Cyber-Bullying: What You Need to Know

Definition:

• Cyber-bullying encompasses any form of bullying that occurs online or through smartphones and tablets.
• Platforms like social networking sites, messaging apps, gaming sites, and chat rooms (e.g., Facebook, Xbox Live, Instagram, YouTube, Snapchat) can offer enjoyable experiences but can also be misused for upsetting and bullying individuals.

Tips and Advice:

• Protect yourself by using unique and strong passwords, incorporating letters (both uppercase and lowercase), symbols, and numbers. Avoid using any part of your name or birthdate.
• Ensure your online privacy by signing out of web services when using public computers (e.g., in libraries, computer shops).
• Cyber-bullying can have a severe impact on a person's self-esteem, confidence, and social skills. Reflect on the potential consequences of your words before posting.
• Be cautious when posting online; once something is out there, it's challenging to retract.

A respectful online environment benefits everyone.

Navigating Social Media

• Most social networking sites have a minimum age requirement of 13.

• Enable 'privacy settings' on social networking sites to restrict who can search for your children, tag them in photos, or share their posts.
• Social networking sites usually have mobile apps, granting access from smartphones or tablets.
• Some platforms, such as Facebook, allow your children to approve or reject tags added to their posts.

Be Mindful of Sharing:

• Information shared among friends can be copied and spread widely.
• Once information is online, it's challenging to retract and may become irretrievable.

• Remind your children that not everyone online is who they claim to be.
• Highlight that chat rooms and forums can be used by people to connect with children in a harmful way.

Stay informed and keep your children's online experiences secure!