eSafety

Modern technology means that our children have ever-increasing access to a wide range of connectivity and information. This brings many opportunities and benefits for youngsters but also poses risks. Children need to be taught how to use technology effective and safely to protect themselves and ensure that they become responsible users of the internet and technology.  

Children at Kendall use the internet and a range of technological devices on a regular basis as part of their learning. In school, we have regular 'e-safety' activities to remind children of the importance of keeping themselves safe online but there is also much you can do to support your child's understanding of e-safety.

On this page we have linked many websites which give you as parents the best advice for keeping your child safe online.  

• #DITTO is a free online safety magazine from e-safety adviser, Alan Mackenzie, aimed at schools, organisations and parents. The content looks at risks, issues, advice and guidance related to keeping children safe online, with a view to enjoying and learning about technology. 
• UK Safer Internet Centre offers tips, advice, guides and resources to keep your child safe online.
• The NSPCC have a whole selection of resources on Internet Safety.
• The Think You Know website has some great resources for parents and children provided by CEOP (the Child Exploitation and Online Protection command).
• Childnet International provides brilliant information about internet safety for your child.
• The National Online Safety website hosts many guides for parents about different games and sites popular with children.
• The Government have produced information for parents of children who use social media.

Please note that at Kendall CE Primary School, children are not allowed to bring mobile phones with them to school.

There is a huge range of risks and concerns online. Below you will find links to some common concerns. 

Adult Content

One of the main concerns from parents is related to adult content. Here is a link that will help you to learn a little more, tips to protect your child and how you can deal with it. https://www.internetmatters.org/issues/online-pornography/ 

Youth Produced Sexual Images

Another concern is related to youth produced sexual images (sometimes called sexting). Here you will find some very useful information. In particular I would recommend reading the document ‘Look at Me’. It is quite long but it gives many useful facts, particularly in relation to vulnerable children. https://www.internetmatters.org/issues/sexting 

Gaming Hub 

Lots of useful information here: gaming age guides, what you need to know, choosing the best games, setting limits and more: https://www.internetmatters.org/resources/online-gaming-advice/ 

Common Sense Media  

If your child is asking you about a game and you're not sure, it's worth having a look on the Common Sense Media website where you can find advice and opinion about thousands of games. https://www.commonsensemedia.org/game-reviews 

Taming Gaming 

This is a brilliant resource for parents, with lots of useful information. The site is owned by a father who is a big gaming enthusiast. https://www.taminggaming.com/features/Curated+Lists+of+Amazing+Video+Games+that+Parents+Love 

YouTube

Historically YouTube has only had one content filter available for parents, called Restricted Mode. There are now three, which allows parents to set a filter that is appropriate to the age of your child:  

https://blog.youtube/news-and-events/supervised-experiences-for-families-on-youtube/

If you're not aware of YouTube Kids have a look here: https://www.youtube.com/kids/?gclid=CjwKCAiAn7L-BRBbEiwAl9UtkPejld9xRUimU5SXHIAwYM3U9XJ5WZtOrUB4fgTGhza8PS0K48tkuxoCiDYQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds 

YouTube moderation for parents: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1YvIfw7obwE 

Common Sense Media

This is a one-stop shop to find further, useful information for parents. Whether it’s an app, a game or a book it’s a good chance it’s here. Just use the search bar at the top of the page. https://www.commonsensemedia.org 

TikTok Safety

TikTok have been introducing a few, useful safety and wellbeing features. You can find out all about these features here: https://newsroom.tiktok.com/en-gb/safety 

Instagram

A guide for parents. https://about.instagram.com/community/parents 

Internet Watch Foundation

In the video I mention the IWF in relation to concerns over live streaming. You can have a look at the IWF live streaming report here: https://www.iwf.org.uk/news/iwf-research-on-child-sex-abuse-live-streaming-reveals-98-of-victims-are-13-or-under 

Live streaming

Risks and advice: https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/parents/articles/what-is-live-streaming/ 

Social Media Risks and Rewards

Guides to help your family navigate the risks and rewards that social media can bring as well as guides to the most popular social media apps: https://www.internetmatters.org/resources/social-media-advice-hub/ 

The debate about screentime

Professor Sonia Livingstone is one of the most knowledgeable people in the UK when it comes to screentime and other issues that affect children. In this article she shares some useful insights: https://blogs.lse.ac.uk/parenting4digitalfuture/2019/02/08/from-policing-screen-time/ 

Screentime

Getting the balance right for different ages of children: https://www.internetmatters.org/issues/screen-time 

Are you worried about the way someone has been communicating with your child online?  

You can make a report to the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre: https://www.ceop.police.uk/Safety-Centre/