Our children love to use the internet, especially to play games and to communicate with their friends. The way they start using computers and the guidance they are given at this young age can set them on the right path to being safer in later life.

At our schools we ensure that children are taught the basic tips of Internet Safety in every year group.

We hold Internet Safety Days run by Paul Hay who is an expert in Internet Safety. Paul works with the teachers to lead assemblies and run class lessons.

For the younger years, we use a cartoon which was created by the Child Exploitation and Online Protection agency (CEOPs).

You can see the cartoon on YouTube by clicking here. 

They learn the 4 Top Tips they need to remember:

• Top Tip 1 : People online may not be who they say they are
• Top Tip 2 : Be nice to people online
• Top Tip 3 : Do not share private information
• Top Tip 4 : If you are worried tell an adult

You can download your copy of the 4 Top Tips here

The cartoon Is one of a series created by CEOP aimed at primary years. All three cartoons can be found here.

Years 5 and 6 have an extended lesson to help them understand social media and how to be careful using it. It includes looking at private information and how to be careful with what they share with strangers.

Parents

It is important for all parents to learn about how children use the internet so they can carry on the discussion with their own children at home.

Paul has provided links to useful sites to learn more about Internet Safety and watch other related videos. Here is the site: www.pclstraining.com/links.

Paul is also happy for parents to contact him with any questions you may have:

paul.hay@pclstraining.com.

The following links may be useful to you:

• CEOP Education (thinkuknow.co.uk) 
• Cyber Aware - NCSC.GOV.UK
• Pegi Public Site
• Parents & carers | Childnet
• Keeping children safe online | NSPCC
• Own It - A place to help you boss your life online - Own It - BBC

National Online Safety is a really useful website that contains lots of great information. As a parent at our schools you are able to have a FREE account in order for you to access and use their resources. We encourage you to sign up!