Use of internet and social media

The internet and social media are now a part of everyday life.

This technology offers opportunities to learn, to be entertained and to socialise. We need to support our children in safely accessing the internet, and in developing the skills to make informed decisions about what they access and share with others. As the use of the internet has grown to encompass all areas of life, children need to develop the resilience to deal with potential situations that arise in order keep themselves safe, while exploring and enjoying the positive aspects of the internet.

There are a number of internet sites that provide useful information on how to keep your child safe on the internet, and on the use of social media.

Links for students and parents

www.childline.org.uk
Childline is a registered charity with a 24 hour freephone number for children. The site contains some useful information about keeping children safe.

www.kidscape.org.uk/
Kidscape is a registered UK charity committed to keeping children safe from harm or abuse. The site has some extremely accessible advice and support for both children and parents on cyberbullying and keeping safe online.

www.ceop.police.uk
This site includes links to report abuse and concerns on line

www.childnet.com
This site provides information on:

• Know IT all – keeping up with children and young people on the internet
• Keeping Young Children Safe Online
• Video Chat and Webcams
• Facebook – Be in control of what you share on line.
• Online Reputation Check

www.saferinternet.org.uk
This site provides information on:

• How to set up parental controls offered by BT, SKY, Talk Talk, Virgin Media
• Information about: Google search BBC iPlayer ITV Player Sky Go
• Parents’ Guide to Technology
• iPhone
• Blackberry
• X-Box

www.gocompare.com/broadband/parental-controls/
This site, compiled by GoCompare provides internet safety for children and provides information to parents on how to monitor online activity through broadband parental controls.

www.thinkuknow.co.uk
CEOP's Think U Know provides information for Students and Parents on a range of topics connected to online safety.
In this section you can find information and website links about how to protect your child online.

Below are downloadable resources and information about how you can help protect yourself online.