Online Safety for Primary aged children

Online Safety

There’s no denying the advantages of the internet, whether it’s used in the workplace, at school, for entertainment, or to power home appliances. Many of us agree it is incredibly beneficial.

However, using the internet comes with risks, and it’s essential to help children and young people understand these dangers.

Start by discussing your child’s internet usage. Ask them about the sites and apps they frequent and work together to find ways to use them safely. Remind them how easy it can be for someone online to pretend to be someone they are not and encourage them to come to you with any concerns.

What Other Ways Can You Keep Your Child Safe Online?

• Set up parental controls on their devices. This is a straightforward process; check the NSPCC link for guidance on how to implement this.
• Control your search engine by activating and locking safe search settings on frequently used sites.
• Protect each device used, including gaming consoles, by applying safety controls.
• Add safety measures offered by various sites and be proactive about implementing these.
• Block pop-ups to prevent unwanted advertisements from appearing.

For further details on online safety, look at these resources:

• ChildLine – Staying Safe Online – https://www.childline.org.uk/info-advice/bullying-abuse-safety/online-mobile-safety/staying-safe-online/

• NSPCC – Keeping Children Safe Online – https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/

• Internet Matters – https://www.internetmatters.org