Online Safety - Parents
Every year, in February, a National Internet Safety Day is used as a way of focusing our thoughts on how to use the best of the Internet whilst remaining safe.
Link to our dedicated Internet Safety Day page
However useful a spotlight day can be, we think we should be aware every day of the fantastic learning opportunities and great fun that being online can provide whilst also understanding how to stay safe.
It's a good idea to think about the safety implications for your family having access to the internet and work out what your expectations might be. For example:
- how long should you spend on the internet and what sites are appropriate?
- what is personal information and why shouldn't you share it?
- what makes a good password and why shouldn't you share it?
London Grid for Learning (LGFL) has a Digisafe site especially for parents with lots of information on these and other issues, such as setting parental controls. Their site can give you help in formulating a plan that's right for your family.
Link to LGFL Parentsafe website
We have also attached LGFL's 'Six Top Tips for Parents to Keep Your Children Safe Online' poster at the bottom of this page.
There are hundreds of webpages regarding online safety for young people. In the past, we have attempted to add multiple links to this page to keep you as up-to-date with new trends and fun activities, concerns and threats, as they become topical. The importance of giving the best advice in a timely way is a responsibility we take very seriously. However, possibly like you, the choice can be overwhelming whilst trying to pick the right information for you and your child, to cover all manner of topics.
We are a London Grid for Learning school; they provide our broadband and web filtering at both sites along with many other services specifically tailored to the education of young people. They provide us with access to numerous online safety links which we can share with our school community. They pull together the best and most up-to-date resources to give you and your family the information you need such as explaining apps to parents, a list of top tips, how to activate control settings and discussing your concerns with your children, or how to help them discuss concerns with you.
LGFL's Parentsafe site can give you access to a wealth of online safety information that you know is up-to-the-minute, that you can trust, and that has been put together by professionals in the field of online safety.
Link to LGFL Parentsafe website
Some food for thought here; drawing your attention to the kind of data that is being gathered by the everyday devices used by you and your family. The website Twisted Toys highlights just what sort of details are being saved about you and asks you to consider how you feel about being targeted in the future.
We can also highly recommend the BBC's online safety pages of advice, celebrity videos, games and information to reinforce online safety messages and information in an entertaining and engaging way that you and your family may enjoy.
Link to BBC's Online Safety site Ownit
