E-Safety

November 2024

We also encourage parents and carers to read this guide which includes tips to better monitor online activity and have meaningful conversations with their children about online safety.

Link to Website:  https://nationalonlinesafety.com/

Link to guide:  https://nationalonlinesafety.com/resources/platform-guides/momo-online-safety-guide-for-parents/

Tik Tok

We have had several children mentioning the Tik Tok App that they are accessing on mobile devices. This has raised a few concerns about online safety and privacy.

Below is some information about Tik Tok from the Common Sense Media website, which can be accessed using this link:- https://www.commonsensemedia.org/blog/parents-ultimate-guide-to-tiktok

What is TikTok? - TikTok is a social network for sharing user-generated videos, mostly of people lip-synching to popular songs. It was originally called musical.ly (pronounced MU-zik-lee). Users can create and upload their own videos where they lip-synch, sing, dance, or just talk. You can also browse and interact with other users' content, which covers a wide range of topics, songs, and styles. These videos can be grouped by hashtags, which often correspond to challenges or memes.

How safe is TikTok? - Using any social network can be risky, but it's possible for kids to safely use the app with adult supervision (and a private account). When you sign up for TikTok, your account is public by default, meaning anyone can see your videos, send you direct messages, and use your location information. Parents should make sure to turn on all privacy settings for accounts kids are using, so only people you know can interact with your videos or message you on the app. That means either opting for a private account or changing the settings for comments, duets, reactions, and messages to "Friends" instead of "Everyone." You can also turn those features off completely.

Is TikTok appropriate for kids? - Because of TikTok's emphasis on popular music, many videos include swearing and sexual lyrics, so it may not be age-appropriate for kids to use on their own.

What age is TikTok recommended for? - Common Sense recommends the app for age 15+ mainly due to the privacy issues and mature content.

Further information can be found on these websites.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/blogs-trending-47813350

https://www.net-aware.org.uk/networks/tiktok/

https://parentinfo.org/article/tiktok-what-parents-need-to-know?utm_source=Thinkuknow&utm_campaign=d422803b43-TUK_ONLINE_SAFETY_AT_HOME_16_06_20&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_0b54505554-d422803b43-64878469

What is Cyberbullying?

Cyberbullying is bullying that takes place using electronic technology. Electronic technology includes devices and equipment such as cell phones, computers, and tablets as well as communication tools including social media sites, text messages, chat, and websites. Examples of cyberbullying include mean text messages or emails, rumours sent by email or posted on social networking sites, and embarrassing pictures, videos, websites, or fake profiles.

What to do if you are being Cyberbullied?

Cyberbullying- What should I do?

  1. Tell an adult, parents, carer or guardian

  2. Speak to your class eSafety Officers (Years 3-6) - to be recruited

  3. Speak to your teacher

  4. Keep message you have been sent as this will provide proof(evidence) should the issue need to be raised further.

Get Safe On Line

Some great advice from   https://www.getsafeonline.org/safeguarding-children/  – have a look at their site as they have some fantastic tips, videos , links for all to use

Get Safe Top 10

  1. Make sure your computer has up-to-date internet security software, switched on.

  2. Don’t reveal personal information on social networking sites.

  3. Regularly backup the data on your computer and smartphone/tablet.

  4. Never reveal your password or PIN when asked to do so by email or on the phone.

  5. Make sure your wireless network is secure at all times.

  6. Be careful who you are selling to and buying from on auction sites.

  7. Choose strong passwords, change them regularly and don’t tell anybody what they are.

  8. When shopping, paying or banking online, always make sure the website is secure.

  9. Always download the latest software and operating system updates when prompted.

  10. Remember your smartphone is also a target for viruses and spyware.


ONLINE GAMES AND ADVICE FOR CHILDREN

November 2024

2BeSafe is an online safety scheme of work, published by 2Simple, to meet the guidance set out within the Department for Education’s - Education for a Connected World. The Education for a Connected World framework outlines eight key areas which seek to equip children and young people for digital life and the digital world. 2Simple’s 2BeSafe offers a comprehensive coverage of these requirements for primary schools starting from Reception up to Year 6. For each objective, we now teach a 15-to-20-minute session containing activities to promote discussion, greater thinking and deeper reflection in order to raise the profile of the importance of staying safe online.

October 2024

If you have children in your care, or you’re a gamer yourself, there’s a decent chance you’ve heard of Fortnite already 🔫⛏️ It’s a free-to-play ‘battle royale’ title that pits up to 100 players against each other in a fight to be the last one standing 💥 With an average of 1.1 million people logging into Fortnite each day, plenty of players meet on this game for what will hopefully be a good-natured competition.

 However, Fortnite isn’t without its own hazards to plenty of users – especially young gamers – and it can be difficult to know exactly where these lie, or how to address them effectively 🤔 That’s why we’ve put together an updated guide on this extremely popular title, giving you expert advice on both the risks associated with the game and how to keep children and young people safe as they go for that Victory Royale!

👉 DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE GUIDE in files below

October 2024

At Holmes Chapel Primary School we believe any form of bullying is completely unacceptable.  We want OUR school to be bully FREE.  We want children to be able to come to school feeling happy and safe.  We want people to respect each other and get on well together.  Please talk through the policy with your child to support them, please download from the files section.

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September 2024

We know it can be overwhelming to figure out where to start when it comes to keeping your children safe online.

So, to help you get started, the internet matters website have created the ABC online safety checklist which you may find helpful. They have broken down the ABCs by age to help you manage your individual child's online safety.

It also provides a wealth of information that can help you to support your child online.

https://www.internetmatters.org/resources/abc-online-safety-checklist/?utm_campaign=263407_NL%2005%2009%2024%20-%20DM%20-%20ABC&utm_medium=email&utm_source=DotDigital&dm_i=7MSZ,5N8V#ABC-age-checklist

September 2024

PC Andy Cornell visited us this month and provided us with a wealth of information to keep your children safe online. This presentation has been added to this page. Please note that it is suitable for Year 5 and Year 6 children to view, however it is also useful to all parents.

Nov 2023

Keeping children safe online 

Please have a look at this excellent website that provides support to both parents and children in regards to keeping children safe online.

https://safetynet.skipseducational.org/

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Oct 2023

Learning Disabilities, Autism and Internet Safety: A Guide for Parents Introduction
This guide outlines some suggestions to help parents limit the risk of their child having negative experiences online and understand what action can be taken if they do. This guide also suggests some resources that will help children get the most out of the Internet at home and in the community. The guide will present some case studies of actual experiences people with learning disabilities and autism have had online and learning points that can be taken from these experiences.

Learning disabilities, Autism and Internet safety: A guide for parents.

June 2023

WhatsApp is the world’s most popular messaging service, with around two billion users exchanging texts, photos, videos and documents, and making voice and video calls.

Following meeting with PC Andrew Cornall (Police Youth Engagement Officer) Year 6 have agreed a set of rules for using WhatsApp. They thought it would be useful for you to have a set of the rules at home to help support them. 

Rules for What’s App Group

  • We will make sure our parents are happy with us being on What’s App

  • We will decide by vote on an admin person for the group – they will have the authority to add and delete people on a temporary basis.

  • We will make a list of rules for our group and agree consequences for breaching rules before using the group.

  • We will agree who should be in the group – all of the members must agree who is in the group and must agree to any new members

  • Any member should be empowered to leave the group at any time, no questions asked

  • We will agree a group name that is not abusive or offensive.

  • No one will be allowed to change the name of the group without the agreement of the others.

  • We will agree on a curfew after which time no messages are sent – we suggest 9pm

  • We will not use bad language, be abusive or bully.

  • We will not spam or send random links via the group.

For further information, WhatsApp have a useful help guide

https://faq.whatsapp.com/361005896189245

March 2023

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Online safety tips for parents of 11-13 Year Olds attached as a file for your information.

March 2023

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What is Snapchat?

Snapchat is a popular social media messaging app that allows you to send and receive pictures and videos (called a Snap) to users. Snap Inc is the developer of the app and also creates other products such as Snapchat Spectacles.

How does Snapchat work?

It was initially a private photo-sharing app. However, Snapchat features now include short videos, games, video chat, messaging, a place to store photos and more.

Each Snap shared with your followers is temporary and is available for 24 hours unless you delete it or set a different limit. You can also add different filters, lenses, emojis and text to your Snap. Additionally, you can create a group chat to talk with friends or message individual friends.

Snapchat features a number of functions to help your child manage who can see their content and how they interact with others. They can also use the reporting function to flag content that breaks community guidelines and upsets them.

Go to https://www.internetmatters.org/parental-controls/social-media/snapchat/ for further information or download the guide attached to this page.

/uploads/119/files/parental-control-snapchat.pdf

January 2023

What you need to know about Music streaming apps and sites and how to keep your child safe.  The National online safety associat

ion have put together guidance to help you to support your child when accessing music sites. Please click on the link for further information.

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The short video provides parents and carers with:

  • An introduction to NCA-CEOP, the Thinkuknow education programme and its resources
  • Advice on how they can keep their child safe online, including a helpful tool to support them in having the right conversations about online safety.