As part of your child’s journey with us at St Richards we try to teach them how to use digital media in a safe and constructive manner.  In particular, we try to help them:

• Use the internet safely
• Recognise the dangers of giving out personal information to strangers
• Question online information and help them recognise when it may not be true
• Use the internet and social media in ways to not hurt or offend others
• Recognise inappropriate behaviour and the importance of talking to a trusted adult if they are worried or concerned

The internet can be accessed via many different platforms from PCs to gaming consoles and through many portable devices.  It can be difficult to know what your child is doing online or indeed, even knowing when they are online.

Keeping your child safe in the digital world is something that needs to be tackled as a partnership between everyone involved with their growth and development and the following web links may help you in understanding their world which is very different from the one that we experienced in our childhood.

Parental Controls

The first step is often understanding Parental Controls that give you some degree of control over a child’s access to online material within your own home

• Have a look at:  https://www.internetmatters.org/parental-controls/

Or ring the free helpline run by the NSPCC on 0808 800 5002

Online Gaming

Many children use Online gaming which allows them to develop friendships with others and is known to be used as an approach method for those seeking inappropriate contact

• You can find information at https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/14_plus/Need-advice/online-gaming/

Social Media

Social media is extremely popular with children and many have accounts that their parents are unaware of and may be age inappropriate.  Children as young as 7 are known to have Facebook Accounts

• There is a great checklist you can use to help you and your child have a healthy “E” relationship: https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/11_13/need-advice/ready-for-social-networking/
• Some additional advice for foster and adoptive parents: https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/parents/articles/Young-peoples-use-of-the-internet-Advice-for-adoptive-parents/

Cyber Bullying

This subject is often in the press and you can find some helpful info and great advice on this at:  https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/11_13/need-advice/cyberbullying

Sharing Pictures Online

Are you a SHARENT?  Understand the risk of sharing pictures of your children online: https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/parents/articles/Sharing-pictures-of-your-children/

Report your Concerns

Are you concerned about an online incident putting the safety of any child at risk?  If so, report it at the following: https://www.ceop.police.uk/Safety-Centre/Should-I-make-a-report-to-CEOP-YP/Should-I-make-a-report-to-CEOP-concerned-adult/