Safer Internet Day 2022
This week marked Safer Internet Day, promoting the safe use of digital technology for children and young people. The children had a great day exploring the theme 'All fun and games? Exploring respect and relationships online.'
A huge thank you to Mrs Brandrick, our Online Safety Lead, for leading the assemblies with Key Stages 1 and 2; the children were enthusiastic and demonstrated great maturity around the topic being discussed.
These top tips have been written by the UK Safer Internet Centre for parents and carers to share, and talk about with your children. It's never too early to talk about life online.
#PlayYourPart by...
- Enjoying all the amazing things there are to do online! Talk with your child about the games they enjoy playing and the videos they love to watch.
- Always being kind and respectful to others online.
Explain to your child that being kind and respectful helps make the internet safe and fun for everyone. This is something you can show them in your own words and actions online.
- Making safe choices.
Your child will have to make lots of choices when they are using technology and the internet, so talk regularly about what they can do to keep themselves safe. This might be keeping personal information like their name or school private or never agreeing to meet up with someone they only know online. The earlier you start these conversations the better equipped your child will be as they grow older.
- Remembering that it's okay to say no to people online.
Discuss how they might respond if someone says or does something that makes them feel uncomfortable. Remind them that they never have to do something just because an online friend has told them to and that they can come to you for help and advice.
- Always telling an adult if anyone or anything online makes you worried, upset or uncomfortable.
The most important thing you can do to support your child online is to let them know that you are there to support them. If they ever feel worried, upset or uncomfortable, then they need to know that they can come to you for help!
It is important to chat with your children on an ongoing basis about staying safe online.