Online safety top concern as pupils return to school

Online safety is emerging as a concern in the new school year – nationally research shows over half of teachers believe it is now more likely their pupils will experience issues as a result of lockdown. We are also noticing a change in pupil’s behaviour and interactions online.

Parents we need your help,

The increased use of devices and smartphones during school closure has led to concerns around pupil’s digital worlds. We know that some pupils, particularly in the older year groups have had more access than ever before to social media, online chat and instant messaging.  While it is important that pupils have access to devices to support remote education, we need to make sure they are doing this safely and they follow our core values in their online interactions just as they would do in a face to face interaction.

We will be focusing on online safety this term, please help us by also having a conversation with your child about their online behaviour. Follow our suggestions:

• no devices in the bedroom
• set  device screen time limits & to turn off at a reasonable time each evening - you can do this through 
  • Microsoft Family Safety App for Windows devices 
  •  Screen time for Apple devices
• talk to your children about the games and apps they are using, and who they are talking to
• talk to your children about what to do if they are worried about something they see or someone says to them online
• remind your children about their 'digital footprint'

Internet Matters 'switched on campaign'

This campaign aims to remind parents to “stay switched on” around issues their children might be facing, including cyberbullying, screentime, peer pressure, online grooming and viewing inappropriate content. They have produced some useful guidance aimed at children of different ages. These leaflets are useful starting points for a conversation with your child.

• A parents guide to online safety
• Tips: Age 11-13 (useful to parents of children in Years 5 & 6)
• Tips: Age 6-10
• Things you need to know about cyber bullying