The online world is a wonderful place for young people to explore, with unprecedented opportunities for learning and creativity. However, just like the real world there are risks and dangers students should be aware of, and which we can act to protect them from. Although the school teaches students online safety as part of the curriculum, it is vital that parents are aware of the risks too, and what they can do to develop a culture of online safety in the home.
This page has some helpful resources for parents that will enable parents to help keep their children safe online. If you have any concerns about your child's online safety, there is always someone at school available to talk to you.
CEOP (Child Exploitation and Online Protection)
CEOP is here to keep children safe from sexual abuse and grooming online. Students can make a report directly to the CEOP Safety Centre by clicking on the Click CEOP button below if something has happened online which has made them feel unsafe, scared or worried. This might be from someone they know in real life, or someone they have only ever met online. CEOP take all reports seriously and they will do everything they can to keep students safe. As well as making a report to the CEOP Safety Centre, the CEOP Education website has information and advice to help students if something has happened to them online.
CEOP are unable to respond to reports about bullying but if a student is being bullied and would like to talk to someone in confidence, they can speak to a trusted adult in school or their parent/guardian can do this on their behalf. Alternatively students can call Childline on 0800 1111 or talk to them online – no worry is too big or too small.
Sexting
The term ‘sexting’ describes the use of technology to share intimate images of yourself. It’s a word-mix of sex and texting. The content can vary, from text messages to images of partial nudity to sexual images or videos. For more information and guidance for parents and children visit the Childnet website.
Protecting your Child Online
You will find below some of our latest resources supporting parents and children by clicking on the links below:
Online Learning Top Tips for Students
Online Learning Top Tips for Parents
Gaming Streamers and Influencers
Other Useful Resources
Please find some links and resources that you might find helpful.
- internetmatters.org - Tools, tips and resources to help children benefit from connected technology smartly and safely
- List of helpful online resources produced by Childnet
- childnet.com - Visit the ‘Know It All’ Section for an interactive guide about online safety
- getsafeonline.org - Free up-to-date security advice
- cybermentors.org.uk - Online support for children
- ceop.police.uk - Website of the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre
- bbc.co.uk/onlinesafety - Guidance about how to make the most of being online while staying safe
- nspcc.org.uk/preventing-abuse/keeping-children-safe/share-aware - The NSPCC has launched the Share Aware campaign which provides straightforward advice to parents on how to keep their 8-12 year-olds safe on social networks
- https://www.saferinternet.org.uk/professionals-onlinonline safety-helpline - Resources for professionals working in the area of safeguarding with children and young people, but could be of interest to parents too
- https://www.saferinternet.org.uk/professionals-onlinonline safety-helpline - Resource
- What parents need to know about Instagram - A leaflet from NationalOnlineSafety.com
- 'The internet, relationships and you' - Guidance from Think You Know
- Helping your child get the most out of the internet - Guidance from Think You Know.
- NSPCC - Keeping children safe online - Guidance for parents
- NSPCC - Sharing nude and semi-nude images - Guidance from the NSPCC to help parents understand the risks and support your child if they've been sending, sharing or receiving nude images: https://www.nspcc.org.uk/preventing-abuse/keeping-children-safe/sexting/
- Get Safe Online - Unbiased, factual and easy-to-understand information on online safety.
The guidance around online safety is ever evolving. We have collated a number of useful resources below to help parents/guardians navigate the digital map.
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Safer Communities Service
Lincolnshire County Council provides the following guidance:
Stay Safe Partnership Advice for Parents/Guardians
Stay Safe Partnership Online Safety Videos
Healthy Minds Lincolnshire: Free online managing worries and anxious feelings workshop and other resources
The additional resources below also form comprehensive advice:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-54974813 - Parental control updated by TikTok
https://www.tiktok.com/safety/resources/for-parents?lang=en&appLaunch=web – How to 'pair' an account to allow parent monitoring
Wake Up Wednesday
Every Wednesday on our social media platform, we deliver an online safety post as part of a campaign #WakeUpWednesday from the National Online Safety. These are also sent to parents/guardians, Tutors and students. Below is what has been sent so far:
10 Ways Gaming Can Support Positive Outcomes
Artificial Intelligence Solutions
Building Cyber Resilience at Home
Call of Duty - Modern Warfare II
Managing Device Stress and Anxiety
Safe and Healthy Online Habits
Setting up Apps, Games and Software
Social Media and Mental Health
