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Online Safety

The internet is an amazing resource which enables children and young people to connect, communicate and be creative in a number of different ways, on a range of devices.

However, the internet is always changing, and being able to keep up to date with your children’s use of technology can be a challenge. (www.saferinternet.org.uk)

Keep talking to your child about what they are doing online.

  • understand that they'll be using the internet to research homework as well talking to their friends.
  • ask your child to show you what they enjoy doing online
  • be positive but also open about anything you're worried about. You could say "I think this site's really good" or "I'm a little worried about things I've seen here."
  • ask them if they're worried about anything, and let them know they can come to you.
  • ask them about their friends online and how they know they are who they say they are
  • ask your child what they think's okay for children of different ages so they feel involved in the decision making (from NSPCC.org.uk)

How to Set up Parental Controls to Limit Age-Inappropriate Content  for both Android and Iphone

The parental controls on smartphones allow you to block or restrict certain apps, features, content, downloads or purchases that might not be suitable for young people. Setting limitations around age ratings, Siri and web searches enables you to filter out age-inappropriate content and vastly reduce the likelihood of your children being exposed to potentially upsetting material and information.

In the guide, you'll find tips on a number of potential risks such as age-restricted content, explicit websites and inappropriate search results.

What Parents Need to Know about:

Age Ratings

A free online safety guide on Age Ratings, the means for adults to make an informed choice as to whether or not a game is suitable for their child through the PEGI (Pan European Game Information) system

Amazon Alexa

A free online safety guide on Amazon Alexa, an artificial intelligence (AI) software assistant created by Amazon in 2014 through which smartphone, tablet and smart device users can issue voice commands and ask questions.

Among Us

What Parents Need to Know about Among Us

Among Us is one of the most popular games of 2020. A space-themed ‘social deduction game’ where 4-10 players take on the guise of Crewmates, who must complete various tasks around their spaceship, while randomly selected Imposters must try their hardest to sabotage the others’ efforts. The Imposters have to remain undetected through rounds of voting to win. While Among Us is a largely safe game, it’s still prudent to be aware of any potential risks young ones might encounter when playing.

In the guide, you'll find tips on a number of potential risks such as hacking, mild violence and inappropriate language

Fortnite

Fortnite Chapter 2

Fortnite: Chapter 2 has  whole host of new in-game features including a brand-new map, more water-based activities, upgraded character skins and a more streamlined arsenal of weapons, this Fortnite is promising to be the best yet. Almost all of the changes are cosmetic which means the concept of the game remains the same, with players still aiming to be the last man standing. Players will no doubt find the game much more enjoyable with so much more to explore. For parents and carers however, it pays to remain vigilant.

Hidden Photo Apps

Keeping our personal and digital content safe should be a priority for everyone. Using passwords and encryption techniques can add extra layers of security. But some apps, which have been specifically designed for this purpose, can be misused or encourage more secretive behaviour, particularly in relation to videos and photos. That’s why we’ve created this guide to help parents and carers understand exactly what these ‘hidden photo apps’ are and to raise an awareness of how and why they might be used by children and young people.

Online Content

What Parents Need to Know About Online Content: 10 Tips to Keep Your Children Safe Online

A free online safety guide providing parents and carers with advice and useful tips to help keep their children safe when accessing, viewing and engaging with content online.

Persuasive Design

What Parents Need to Know About Persuasive Design

A free online safety guide on persuasive design. Social Media can be really addictive, and sites want to keep users on their platforms for as long as possible.

Pokemon Go

The game generally provides a positive experience, but there are still some safety concerns to consider.

In the guide, you'll find tips on a number of potential risks such as environmental hazards, strangers and data collection.

What Parents need to know

Pokemon Go.pdf

 

Tik Tok

TikTok is a video-sharing social media app available on iOS and Android which lets users create, share, and view user created videos much in a similar manner to Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat. It’s main draw, however, is that users can record and upload bite-sized looping videos of themselves lip-syncing and dancing to popular music or soundbites, often for comedic effect, which can then be further enhanced with filters, emojis and stickers. TikTok has been designed with the young user in mind and has a very addictive appeal.

Staying SAFE online - resources for parents / carers

  • Think U Know - For parents who would like advice on how to take care of their children’s safety and security when using the internet at home.
  • Net-Aware - A guide to social networks used by children. Up to date information on popular apps and games.
  • NSPCC - NSPCC website with advice and videos to share with children about keeping safe online.
  • Childnet - Information about parental controls and gaming.
  • Internet Matters - Site that covers many aspects of internet safety and takes you through setting up parental controls on all gadgets in an easy to follow step by step guide.
  • Get Safe Online - Online safety advice.
  • Connect Safely - Parents’ guide to Instagram.