It is really important that parents and carers work with us to ensure children stay safe in their use of technology. When we talk about online-safety, we are not just talking about the internet. We are talking about the use of computers, games consoles (such as X-Box and PS4), mobile phones, televisions, tablets (such as the iPad) and many other things.
There are several elements to online-safety that we teach at Lancasterian:
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How to use the internet safely, and what to do if something goes wrong or we see something we shouldn’t
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How to keep ourselves safe – keeping our details private and keeping our data secure
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How to behave when using technology – being courteous and responsible, and what to do if others treat us in a way which is not kind. This strand also links with our behaviour and anti-bullying policies.
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Encouraging a healthy use of technology – not over-using mobiles, consoles or computers.
In September we shared our ‘Parent/Carer Acceptable Use Policy’ with you. This details some of the ways in which we encourage children to behave, and outlines our rules for safe use of technology. We also ask your permission for the use of photos and video on the website and in other places.
One in 10 pupils using video chat have been asked to change or undress, 1:20 through Livestreaming. 1 in 6 have seen something that encourages them to self-harm. 2 out of 5 pupils have not told someone about the worse thing they have seen online – which includes extreme porn, violence and cruelty to animals. It’s great to see that 73% trust their parents’ opinion but unfortunately only 56% have talked to their parents about their online experience in last year.
Six top tips for parents:
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Don't ban Fortnite (or any other game) because a newspaper headline said it's evil; at the same time, don't allow it because a friend said it's fine. Have a look and decide yourself (get your child to show you, or play together if you're feeling brave). If you're happy, fine; if not, it doesn't matter whether "everyone else is playing it".
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Fortnite's PEGI age rating is 12 ( = appropriate age, NOT skill level).
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Games don't go on for hours, but average 20-30 minutes. So if your child says they need hours and hours, they're wrong...
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One of the best ways to keep children safe on games is to know what they are doing, so if you allow it, get them to play near you with the sound on (no headphones so you can hear the other players' comments)
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When you start, there's a 'Privacy' button - choose between Public (anyone in the world) / Friends / Private (invite only). It's easy to change. Make sure you have made the decision.
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The game is free, but there are lots of in-app purchases. Is your credit card attached to the account/device? Worth checking if your child could buy the £79 10,00 V-Bucks + 3,500 Bonus pack at a click. Click on a cheap one to see if there is a payment method attached.
Social Media
WhatsApp parent factsheet.pdf
YouTube parent factsheet.pdf
A practical guide for parents and carers whose children are using social media
Guide to Snapchat
Snapchat checklist
Social media guidance
Instagram checklist
Child safety on TikTok parent factsheet
Devices
Top tips for iPad:
Top tips for iPhone
Top tips for iPod Touch
Top tips for Kindle Fire
Top tips for Nintendo devices
Top tips for Xbox
Top tips for PS4
Vodafone online digital parenting magazine
Gaming
Six things parents need to know about Fortnight
Parents’ Guide to games
Guide to live streaming
Guide to Fortnite
Guide to Roblox
NSPCC
Protecting Children from Radicalisation
NSPCC Share aware guide
O2 and the NSPCC Keep kids safe online
Keeping children safe online
Parentzone
Parentzone
The 6 apps and services that every parent should know about see
Parents Zone and Online Safety resources, magazines and guides
Everything you need to know about online gaming
Parent zone guides to apps and games online
Other Useful Guides
Parent Safe
Safer internet
Think U Know
Vodafone Digital Parenting
BBC parents
Common Sense Media guide for parents
Guidance from the Department of Education on cyberbullying
Educate against Hate Website looking at tackling extremism and radicalisation
Scary challenges online
How to spot fake news
6 top tips for parents on screen time
LGfL have now published the results of the online safety survey