Online Safety Information
The Internet and online technologies are an important part of children’s lives at home and school, providing great opportunities for learning, communicating, playing and creating. As we know, these technologies create huge opportunities for us all; however, they can sometimes be a bit overwhelming, and present challenges to keeping your family safe online.
At Merryfields, it is our priority to ensure our pupils are safe in all areas of their life. Information, communication technologies (ICT) are a daily part of children’s lives and we aim to teach them to be safe when they are online.
We have guidelines for the children and staff regarding the safe use of ICT. However, If ever you have concerns related to the online safety of your child at school or at home, please inform your child’s teacher or speak to a member of our leadership team.
It is just as important to be involved in your children’s life online, as it is offline. Just as you would ask about their friends at school or the clubs they go to, you should use this approach with the people they meet online – ask the same questions and show the same interest.
For up-to-date information about E-Safety, please visit https://www.esafety-adviser.com/latest-newsletter/ to read the latest newsletter by E-Safety Advisor.
Information, advice and support can be found by clicking and visiting the sites below:
Extremism and Online Radicalisation
What parents and carers need to know about Momo
Top tips for Nintendo consoles
A Parent's Guide to YouTube Restricted Mode
Fortnite: Everything you need to know
DfE Advice on cyber bullying
A website designed by the NSPCC to keep parents up to date with the social networking sites that their children are using and can keep their child safe in today's digital world.
This website has several different areas on online safety for parents and online security.
This site offers a range of articles and guidance on all aspects of child internet safety.
www.thinkuknow.co.uk/parents/article-repository/Parental-controls
These controls are designed to help parents and carers manage their child’s online activities. There are various types, some of which are free but others which can be bought. However, nothing is totally foolproof so they don’t replace the need for adults to support and advise children using the internet.
For detailed guidance on all the different types of control, you can use this online tool from Internet Matters . This gives you the chance to set up a personalised list of the controls used in your home on all your different devices. There is also advice on how to use all the various controls, with videos and step-by-step instructions.
This website has several different areas which are useful, including Know It All, Sorted and Parents' Support.
How to set up filters on your home internet to help prevent age-inappropriate content being accessed on devices in your home.
www.digizen.org "digital citizen"
Information about using social network and social media sites creatively and safely.
"WiredSafety provides help, information and education to Internet and mobile device users of all ages. We help victims of cyber abuse ranging from online fraud, cyberstalking and child safety, to hacking and malicious code attacks. We also help parents with issues, such as MySpace and cyberbullying."
Insafe is a network of national nodes that coordinate internet safety awareness in Europe. The network is set up and co-funded within the framework of the European Commission's Safer Internet plus Programme.
A video that tells children the rule about how to stay dressed when talking to people on video chats and calls to other people.