Online Safety
Winnall Primary School recognises the potential that online resources can bring to support children in their education and preparedness for life beyond school. We are committed to supporting young people to become discerning and safe users of online resources, including applications available through mobile devices as well as those on the internet and computers.
The online world knows no boundaries and extends beyond a child’s time in school. They are engaging with the online world at all times of the day and often, without supervision. Working in partnership with parents/carers, the school is committed to providing support and information such that parents/carers can provide the necessary protection for their child when engaging with online platforms.
There are a number of resources for parents wanting to find out more about how to keep their children safe online. As a school, we would highly recommend accessing www.thinkuknow.co.uk. This website contains a wealth of information, is up-to-date and informative.
SEND Support - research shows that vulnerable pupils are far more at risk of peer pressure, viewing self-harm/suicide content, cyber bullying and interacting with radical groups vs their non-vulnerable peers. Here are some other resources from the NSPCC aimed at families to support this.
Online Safety Advice
Here are some useful tips for making sure your child is safe online:
- Encourage your child to treat online strangers the same way they would treat them in the street - not to trust everything they say.
- Make sure your child does not arrange to meet up with anyone they have met online. You need to explain the dangers to them.
- Encourage your child to keep personal information to themselves while online.
- Treat their online friendships in the same way as their real world friendships - by showing an interest.
- Share the experience of going online - go surfing together.
- Agree with your child that you will help set up their profile with them. This way you will know their password and can access their account if necessary.
- Encourage them to limit their number of friends.
- Talk with your child about their experiences online.
Here are some things you can do that will not only protect your children online, but your whole family:
- Set up the computer in a communal area of the house, like the living room.
- Agree how much time can be spent on each site by each family member. Microsoft has a downloadable "Online Code of Conduct Contract" which every member of the family can sign up to.
- Use an up-to-date web browser.
- Make sure your wireless network is password protected.
- Make regular back-ups.
- Get anti-virus software, anti-spyware software and a firewall.
- Keep your computer up-to-date.
- Block spam emails.
- Use child protection settings to restrict access to certain sites.
Help and Advice: Resources
NSPCC - Keeping children safe online
KidSMART - Information about being smart online
Get Safe Online - How to protect your PC and avoid internet crime.
Internet Matters - resources to support parents/carers
Online Safety Tips for parents (0 - 5 Year olds)
Online Safety Tips for parents (6 - 10 Year Olds)
Online Safety Tips for parents (11 - 13 Year olds)
Report Harmful Content
If you've experienced or witnessed harm online these websites can help:
