Online Safety
At Charlotte we know our children live in a digital world. There are huge benefits to children accessing the internet and we want them to grow up being fully equipped to deal with the technical world now and the technical world of the future. However, it is very important the children know how to use online resources safely and keep themselves safe. Due to the age of our children as well as school, parents, carers and families play a huge role in teaching our children how to navigate the online world safely.
Online saftey is a key part of our safeguarding responsibilities - we are a National Online Safety (NOS) accredited school and have been for the past three years. This involves ensuring our staff are trained in supporting children with online safety, we have a curriculum that embeds online safety and we support parents navigating the online world with their children. NOS provides lots of information and videos for parents to watch, you can find information here:
Our DSLs often share 'need to know' leaflets to support parents, carers and families with general online knowledge, popular games and apps as well as updates on anything new that impacts on our children's safety online. Some of these can be found below and will be updated regularly.
As a school we are also beginning to use the '360 Safe' online safety review tool to ensure we are keeping, and teaching our children to be, as safe as possible with their online activity.
Here are some useful websites you may need to access with your child
Thinkuknow http://www.thinkuknow.co.uk
Thinkuknow is an education programme from the National Crime Agency’s CEOP Command. Since 2006, it aims to ensure that everyone has access to this practical information – children, young people, their parents and carers and the professionals who work with them.
Internet Matters https://www.internetmatters.org/advice/esafety-leaflets-resources/
A comprehensive web resource with a wide array of tips and advice on how to navigate the online world with your child. Some of their guidance we attach below but you can find even more by visiting the link.
National Online Safety https://nationalonlinesafety.com/resources/platform-guides/
National Online Safety's mission is to make the internet a safer place for children. They aim to do this by equipping school staff, parents and children with the knowledge they need to understand online dangers and how best to react should an incident arise. The link above provides up to date information about a wide variety of social media apps and platforms your child might be using.
NSPCC http://www.nspcc.org.uk/preventing-abuse/keeping-children-safe/share-aware/
The NSPCC are the first to admit that the internet is amazing. Children can play, learn, create and connect - opening up a whole world of exciting possibilities. But with the digital world changing all the time, how can you make sure your child’s staying safe? That’s where the NSPCC come in. Whether you’re an online expert or you’re not sure where to start, their tools and advice will help you keep your child safe.
Childnet http://www.childnet.com/parents-and-carers
Childnet International is a registered UK charity that aims to make the internet a safe place for children and young people. Packed with resources it is a great resource for parents.
CEOP http://ceop.police.uk/safety-centre/
Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) is part of the National Crime Agency and their website can be used to report if you are worried about online abuse or the way someone is communicating online.
BBC https://www.bbc.com/ownit
The BBC have a website and app called Own It. The website has a lot of content for children to help them navigate their online lives, and the free smartphone app comes with a special keyboard which can intervene with help and support in the moments that children need it the most.
SafetoNet https://safetonet.com/
SafeToNet is technology that educates children “in-the-moment” as they use their device. It is a safeguarding assistant that helps them become responsible and safe digital citizens. Its power lies in a smart keyboard that detects risks in real-time. It steers children away from trouble by filtering harmful outgoing messages before they can be sent and any damage can be done.