E-Safety

Advice for Parents and Carers on how to keep children safe online

SAFER INTERNET DAY 2024

We know that a huge number of our children are actively participating in an online world. The majority of children's experiences of the internet are fun, safe and a wealth of learning opportunities can be found online. However, it is vitally important that we teach children to explore this world safely and with the knowledge of how to keep themselves safe.

There are an increasing number of sites and web content that can be upsetting and even dangerous for children. Ramsgate Arts advises that parents engage with children in all aspects of their online activities:

Be aware of how your child engages with the online world (gaming / youtube / website surfing)
Talk to your child about their online habits
Be aware if your child is engaging in social networking and decide what is appropriate for your child.
Make sure your child knows what to do if they do come across inappropriate content or something that makes them feel uncomfortable.
Make sure your child accesses age appropriate content and gaming.
Check your own parental controls on ipads, mobiles devices and computers
Make sure that your children don't share personal information unnecessarily or unsafely
Consider limiting screen time or having a set time that the wifi goes OFF!

For help and advice (click the links):

CEOP – the place to get advice on and report an inappropriate or potentially illegal content or action that you see online.
Childline - a online resource helping to make the internet a great and safe place for children
Digizen – a fantastic resource that includes all sorts of advice on how we, as adults, can encourage children to become responsible digital citizen and discerning when viewing digital content.
Internet Matters - Helping parents keep their children safe online.
Know It All for Parents – is a unique interactive E-safety guide put together by Childnet International.
Kidsmart – a fantastic online resource with excellent E-safety tips. There is also a fantastic children’s section for your children to explore.
NSPCC guide to online safety – advice on the appropriateness of online content from the NSPCC.
NSPCC guide to social networks - advice for social networking.
ThinkUKnow – an excellent website that has all sorts of advice for parents and carers as well as sections for children who want to learn about E-safety for themselves - an excellent resource to look at as a family.
UK Safer Internet Centre – this website contains a wealth of resources and content about how to keep children safe online. They are also the group behind the Safer Internet Day initiative that is celebrated on a yearly basis.
Digital Life Skills - a site with guidance on advice on how children can become confident and resilient online.

Other Resources:

Kim and Lee's Adventure (A cartoon teaching 5-7 year olds to be safe online)
Fact Sheet for Parents
Supporting Young People Online
Safer Internet Day