e-Safety for Parents and Carers
Our pupils are growing up in a world of ever-changing technology. While we feel that the use of technology is a largely positive aspect of modern life, we cannot ignore the risks that can be associated.
‘e-Safety’ is a phrase that is used to describe anything electronic that can be used to communicate with the world. It includes the internet, mobile phone technologies and gaming technologies. Throughout the school we aim to teach children about the benefits and drawbacks of this technology:
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about the impact of cyber-bullying and what to do if they have been affected
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to be vigilant when communicating online recognising that people may not always be who they say they are and to be sensible about what they share
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to tell an adult they trust if something is upsetting them
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to question the reliability of information given through a web based source
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to search responsibly for information while using internet browsers.
We understand that much of our pupils' use of the internet will occur at home, away from the school filters, so we have put together some information to help you keep your children’s experience of these technologies positive. This covers the use of apps and social media, gaming and safety, and what to do if you have any concerns.
Cyber Bullying Workshops
We have recently held workshops for parents to provide some hands on training about how to support your children with regards to Cyber Bullying. Please click on the buttons below to find out more:
APPS and Social Media
Children are faced with a long list of applications (or APPs) that enable them to communicate with the outside world. Below, we have provided details of a few. The National Online Safety organisation has produced a wide range of Parent Guides. Click on the icons below to find out more about some of them:
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Facebook is a social networking website and service where users can post comments, share photographs and links to news or other interesting content on the Web, play games, chat live, and even stream live video.
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Instagram is a mobile, desktop, and Internet-based photo-sharing application and service that allows users to share pictures and videos, either publicly or privately, to pre-approved followers.
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Snapchat is a mobile app that allows users to send and receive "self-destructing" photos and videos. Photos and videos taken with the app are called snaps.
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WhatsApp Messenger is a free instant messaging and Voice over service. The application allows the sending of text messages and voice calls, as well as video calls, images and other media, documents, and user locations.
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Gaming and Safety
Gaming or playing games on the internet or through plug in devices such as X box, play station etc is a very popular form of entertainment for children. Although very entertaining there are a number of issues with it that can put your child at risk. These can be:
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spending too much time on the games and becoming overly involved
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spending money or buying additional features that allow progress in the game
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linking with and communicating directly and in real time to other players.
Sound advice on gaming and some of the issues is available on the Pan European Game Information (PEGI) website. Please visit the site by clicking on the following link:
Further information is available in the PEGI Good Gaming Guide. Please visit the Guide by clicking on the following link:
Good Gaming Guide
Reporting, Information and Help
As a parent or carer what do you do if you have concerns? Where do you go and who do you contact?If you would like to report an incident relating to Marjory Kinnon School, click on the link below to download the Marjory Kinnon School Incident Reporting Form:
Marjory Kinnon School Incident Reporting Form
Use the links below for further information:
Reporting a Concern
Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) – young people can report incidents or concerns
Internet Watch Foundation - report illegal content
Childline – support for children and young people
Action Fraud – helpline for reporting online fraud
UK Safer Internet Centre - professional online safety helpline
Revenge Porn Helpline – Support for adults who have experienced revenge porn.
For information
Thinkuknow - education programme for ages 4 to adult
internet matters - advice hub for young people with SEND
Parent Info - help and advice for families in a digital world
UK Safer Internet Centre - online safety tips, advice and resources for children and young people
Common Sense Media - media recommendations and advice for families
Parents Protect - help for parents and carers to protect children from sexual abuse and exploitation
Parent Zone - experts in digital family life
Get Safe Online - advice covering all aspects of life online
Net Aware - the NSPCC site for keeping kids safe online
National Online Safety - training for children, parents and school staff
For help
Childnet - making the internet a great and safe place for children
NSPCC Online Safety - advice for parents on understanding the risks and keeping children safe