Online Safety

Online safety is an important part of keeping children safe across The Bluebell Federation.

We understand that the internet is a vital part of children’s lives these days as it opens up a vast amount of educational and social opportunities, giving children access to a wealth of information and experiences. We believe that if children understand the risks and can make sensible and informed choices online, they can get the most from the internet and stay safe whilst doing so – particularly from those people who might seek them out to harm them.

We teach Computing using the Kapow Primary scheme and online safety is taught in each class, each term. In addition, we raise awareness through Safer Internet Day each year.

As part of our work to ensure that the children are aware of issues around online safety we incorporate this into many aspects of the curriculum, such as PSHE, as well as Computing lessons. In addition, we adapt our curriculum to address any specific issues which arise within our school community.

Advice for parents/carers

East Sussex Safeguarding Children Partnership gives the following advice for parents:

· One of the easiest – and most effective – things you can do is simply talk to your child.

· Help your child think about who sees what they share, and compare it to what they would be happy to share offline. Explain how everything they share online – like user names, images and comments – builds up a picture of who they are.

· Agree on some ground rules together – which sites and apps can be used; when it is okay to use the internet; what parental controls will you use?

· Remember that you can use technical tools like parental controls and filters. Ensure that your child knows about privacy settings on social media apps.

· Safety starts with you. You can help your child by simply setting a good example online. It’s important to show them what safe sharing looks like.

· Innocent searches sometimes reveal not so innocent results. Parental controls can be used to block this upsetting or harmful content, control in-app purchases or manage how long your child spends online. And the good news is parental controls are really easy to set up. For more on Parental controls – Visit https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/parental-controls

Further advice and resources:

https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/

https://www.internetmatters.org/

https://saferinternet.org.uk/

https://www.getsafeonline.org/

WhatApp and Social Media Guidance for Parents

whatsapp and social media guidance for parents 2 .pdf

online safety top tips 1 .pdf

Online safety toolkit for Parents

Online safety resources for children

Bluebell Federation Online Safety Policy

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