Online Safety & Digital Resilience
For most people today, technology is an absolute necessity and the internet is at the forefront of everything we do. Mobile phones and computers are a part of everyday life for many children and young people. Used correctly, they are an exciting source of communication, fun and education but used incorrectly, or in the wrong hands, they can be threatening and dangerous. At St Gabriel’s, children are taught how to use the internet safely both inside and outside of school.
Keeping Your Child Safe Online
As parents and families, it is essential that you establish clear rules and expectations outside of school of what your child is and is not allowed to do online. This can be achieved through using technical parental controls, regular monitoring, and discussing openly with your child how they use the internet on a regular basis.
Rules and expectations are vital to ensure children know where the boundaries are and not to develop unsafe or even dangerous habits online. Rules should cover not only which websites they are allowed to visit but, how long they have access to the internet and technology altogether. You must clearly stress the importance of keeping your personal information safe at all times. Children’s use of technology must be monitored closely and no assumptions should be made over its use.
Technical Parental Controls
Technology such as computers, smart phones and games consoles are equipped with parental controls that make it possible for you to limit the access your child has to the internet. We would highly recommend that all parents and families use these features to increase the protection of young children online and prevent them from accessing unsafe, inappropriate or dangerous elements of the internet.
Technology companies have guides and advice on their websites of how to use these features, such as Apple or Samsung and there is even advice available on the Internet Matters website too. If you are unsure of how to use any of the technical parental controls mentioned, please do not hesitate to ask someone in school and we are always happy and willing to help. Examples of how technical parental controls may help are listed below and by using them, you can:
- Block websites, email addresses and mobile phone numbers
- Block or restrict apps
- Filter and block certain words, phrases or images
- Set time limits for acceptable use
- Closely monitor use
- Lock phones into specific apps
- Prevent any downloads
- Prevent purchasing items
- Place age restrictions on devices
Useful Apps, Links and Websites
UK Safer Internet Centre www.saferinternet.org.uk
Internet Matters www.internetmatters.org
CEOP Education www.ceopeducation.co.uk/parents
Act Early www.actearly.uk
Childline www.childline.org.uk
Childnet www.childnet.com
Get Safe Online www.getsafeonline.org
NSPCC www.nspcc.org.uk
Cleveland Police & Cyber Prevent
We can give advice, educate them, help keep them safe from exploitation, and deter them from committing Computer Misuse Act offences. Simply send us an email to [email protected] to arrange a chat/visit.
