Parents guide to online safety

The online world is posing an ever-increasing risk to children and young people, and it is important that schools, parents and carers work together to take an active role in teaching children about online dangers. Learning how to act safely when using the internet is an incredibly important part of safeguarding our children. 

At Philip Southcote School, we endeavour to provide children with the knowledge, skills, understanding and tools they need to stay safe and make positive choices online. This feeling of confidence, independence and empowerment can be further enhanced when parents and carers take an active role in supporting children and young people with their use of technology. However, we also understand that it is difficult to stay up to date with the latest devices, platforms, apps, trends and related threats.

The following is a selection of resources that aim to inform and support you in your understanding online safety issues:

National Online Safety (The National College)
An organisation that works in partnership with Philip Southcote School, providing Parents & Carers courses, online video resources and weekly guides covering a huge range of topics. Please sign up by clicking the link in the title above.

CEOP Education
CEOP Education is part of the UK’s National Crime Agency, focusing on keeping children and young people safe online. They provide resources and guidance for schools, parents, and young people about online safety, helping them understand the risks and how to report any concerns. They also have a great feature called Ask the Awkward - It offers advice on how to talk about sensitive topics like cyberbullying, sharing personal information, and staying safe online, making it easier to approach these important issues.

Childnet
Childnet is an organisation that promotes online safety for children and young people, offering resources and guidance on how to navigate the internet safely. They provide tips on dealing with online bullying, privacy, and responsible use of social media to help young people make informed choices online.

NSPCC 
In partnership with Ambitious about Autism, the NSPCC provide online safety tips, advice and activities specifically for parents and carers of children with SEND.

Internet Matters
Internet Matters is a website dedicated to helping parents and carers keep children safe online by providing resources, expert advice, and tools. It covers topics like online risks, setting boundaries, and promoting digital wellbeing to support young people as they navigate the internet.

Common Sense Media 
A great resource that examines current tv, films and games, which bills itself as reviewing what your kids are into (before they get into it). You can have up to three free searches a day.

UK Safer Internet Centre
The UK Safer Internet Centre is an organisation that promotes online safety and helps people understand how to use the internet safely and responsibly. They provide resources, guidance, and support for parents, educators, and young people to address issues like cyberbullying, privacy, and safe social media use.

SWGfl
SWGfL (South West Grid for Learning) is an organisation focused on promoting online safety and digital wellbeing for schools and young people across the UK. They provide online safety resources, advice and articles, including Social Media Checklists.

Internet Watch Foundation 
The Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) work to stop the repeated victimisation of people abused in childhood and make the internet a safer place, by identifying and removing global online child sexual abuse imagery, and promotes its Think Before You Share campaign.

Lucy Faithfull Foundation
This is the only UK-wide charity dedicated solely to preventing child sexual abuse through their Stop It Now! helpline and campaign.

Safer Internet Day
Safer Internet Day is an annual event in February that promotes online safety and encourages conversations about the responsible use of technology among young people. The website offers resources, tips, and activities to help individuals and organisations raise awareness about online safety and make the internet a better place for everyone.

The Guardian’s Children’s Tech 
The Guardian’s Children’s Tech section provides articles, reviews, and insights about technology, apps, and online trends specifically for young people.

Vodaphone Digital Parenting
Vodafone Digital Parenting is a resource aimed at helping parents and caregivers understand the online world their children are navigating. It offers tips, advice, and tools on how to support kids with digital devices, online safety, and maintaining a healthy balance between screen time and real life.

Stem4
Stem4 is a charity that supports positive mental health in teenagers. They have created 5 award-winning apps to help achieve this aim.

• Calm Halm – help for teenagers to resist or manage the urge to self-harm
• Clear Fear – help for children and young people to manage symptoms of anxiety
• Move Mood – help for teenagers to manage low mood and depression
• Combined Minds – help for family and friends to provide mental health support
• Worth Warrior – help for young people to manage low self-worth, poor body image and related eating disorders

Helpful Documents
Parental Controls Booklet 2022
Police Scotland Social Media Guidance
Vodafone Digital Parenting Guide
Online Safety AdviceSMART poster