The Internet is an amazing tool for learning and fun. It is now also part of our everyday life and difficult to live without. However, there are many potential dangers to using the Internet and we all need to learn how to use the Internet safely and responsibly.

Most children have access to the Internet on phones, tablets, computers and smart TVs. It can be difficult to monitor what they’re seeing online and to make sure that they don’t see anything that is inappropriate. Keeping children safe online is a vast subject, but there is lots of help available.

At Abercromby, we take Internet safety very seriously and teach our children how to use the Internet safely and responsibly in an age appropriate way. We have filters so children can only use sites we want them to. Children will always be under close supervision when using the class laptops, interactive TV panels and iPads. We will always carefully select the programmes children use and lock the Apps on the iPads so children can’t navigate away.

In addition we provide support for our families with e-safety meetings.  The information is summarised below on this page.

Here are some really helpful videos and a leaflet with practical advice:

Internet safety video 1

Internet safety video 2

Guide for parents of children age 0-5

 

Here are our top tips:

• Talk to your child about how to use the Internet safely, just in the same way you would talk to them about other ways to keep safe.
• Keep all Internet devices in high traffic rooms e.g. kitchen or lounge where you can keep an eye on things.
• Set passwords on all devices, so children only use them when you want them to.
• Explore websites and online games together.
• Set a time limit and stick to it. Children need to do other things away from screens, like playing outside, getting physically active.
• Avoid screen time in the hour before bed time; the blue light screens give out make for poor sleep.
• Set up parental controls on your broadband, mobile devices, computers, search engines etc. so that all unsuitable content is filtered out. It’s not as hard as it sounds. Click here to find help specific to your device: Setting up parental controls
• Set up restricted mode on YouTube, or use YouTubeKids

 

These are some helpful websites to explore further, or report problems:

Internet Matters

CEOP

There are child safe search engines available:

Kid Rex

Safe Search Kids

Swiggle

Below are further useful resources for you to refer to:

Stay safe on social media poster

Families’ check list for keeping children safe online

Age restrictions for social media platforms poster