The Internet and related technologies, including mobile phones, blogs, podcasting and social networks are becoming increasingly important in the daily lives of our children and have many positive benefits. They can be used both educationally and socially and are becoming part of a child’s identity. Socially our children often use the Internet for entertainment, interaction, and communication with ‘friends’. Access to the Internet can take place anywhere and at anytime so we need to make sure our children are able to use the Internet safely. Many children are unaware of the risks for example by having many online friends (who could be strangers), uploading inappropriate images, viewing unsuitable content or even becoming addicted to the Internet.

Sherburn High School provides for a safe and secure online environment for children. Many parents and carers do seek advice on how they can provide a similar environment for their children when accessing the Internet from home and how to help their children to develop safe habits when learning and playing online. Some of the advice about online safety is common sense but it’s also important that parents and carers know how to use the technology and be aware of how their children are using the Internet.

There is comprehensive information about all the online safety issues on these websites and once parents and carers have the background on the subject they can decide what is right for their family.

What Parents Need to Know About guides, published by National Online Safety:
Online Safety Guides for Parents and Carers - Platform Guides

The Parent Zone

The Parent Zone makes life easier for parents by developing information to help them make informed choices, and by finding out from them what they need. Please click on the Digital Parenting magazine links below. You can follow @TheParentsZone for bulletins on E-Safety

Esafety Adviser

www.esafety-adviser.com - #DITTO is a free online safety (e-safety) magazine for schools, organizations and parents to keep you up to date with risks, issues, advice and guidance related to keeping children safe online, with a view to enjoying and learning about technology. A new edition is released approx. every 6 weeks.

ChildNet

www.childnet.com - A non-profit making organisation working directly with children, parents and teachers to ensure that the issues of online child protection and children’s safe and positive use of the Internet are addressed. Childnet International produce an online CD guide specifically for parents KnowITAll - childnet.com/resources

Comparitech

www.comparitech.com - It's time to have the talk with your child. You peeked at their browser history and, well, it's time. It's going to be awkward and uncomfortable for both of you, and things have changed a lot since you were that age. But better to hear it from a parent than learn it from a stranger or God-knows-who online.

Think U Know

www.thinkuknow.co.uk - The Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) Centre has set up its own educational website which has been designed and written specifically for children, young people, teachers, parents and carers.

Get Safe Online

www.getsafeonline.org - A beginners guide to using the Internet safety, including a quiz and some video tutorials about how to ‘stay safe’ on-line.

Kid Smart

www.kidsmart.org.uk - Kidsmart is an award winning Internet safety website for parents and those working with children. It has been developed by the children's Internet charity Childnet International and has excellent information on many of the technologies used by children, with guidance on how to ‘stay safe’ online.

Bullying

www.bullying.co.uk - One in five young people have experienced bullying by text message or via email. This web site gives advice for children and parents on bullying.

Child Net

www.childnet.com - Chat Danger - The internet is a brilliant place to connect with others, to be creative and to discover new things. In the Childnet Hub you'll find top tips, competitions, blogs and advice to help you to use the internet safely, responsibly and positively.

Educate Against Hate

www.educateagainsthate.com - This website gives parents, teachers and school leaders practical advice on protecting children from extremism and radicalisation.

Digital Parenting

vodafone.co.uk/mobile/digital-parenting - Vodafone have developed this website in conjunction with mumsnet. It is very accessible and provides information and guidance to parents with understanding their child’s digital world and get more involved. There is even an on-line test to see how much you know!

Impero

How protected are you online? E-learning, digital communication, social media, cloud based applications – it’s amazing how quickly new technology becomes commonplace. Texting slang terms that teachers and parents need to know and Slang terms teachers and parents need to be aware of.

NSPCC

www.nspcc.org.uk/shareaware - Some parents feel confused by the internet – out of their depth, and out of control. Share Aware – a campaign for parents of children aged 8-12 – will help to reassure you, and give you everything you need to keep your children safe.