Online Safety Advice for Parents

At St Osmund's, we are committed to helping children stay safe online. The internet is a fantastic resource for learning and entertainment, but it also comes with risks. As a parent, you play a key role in guiding your child to use the internet safely and responsibly. Here are some essential tips to help protect your child online:

1. Talk to Your Child About Online Safety

Open and ongoing conversations are crucial. Teach your child about the importance of:

• Not sharing personal information (name, address, school, passwords).
• Not posting photos online with their school uniform on show
• Being kind and respectful online.
• Telling a trusted adult if something makes them feel uncomfortable.

2. Set Age-Appropriate Rules and Boundaries

• Keep devices in shared spaces, like the living room.
• Limit screen time and encourage offline activities.
• Use child-friendly search engines and websites.

3. Use Parental Controls and Privacy Settings

Most devices, apps, and broadband providers offer parental controls to:

• Restrict access to inappropriate content.
• Manage screen time.
• Monitor online activity.

4. Be Aware of Social Media and Gaming Risks

Many social media and gaming platforms have age restrictions (usually 13+). If your child uses these platforms:

• Check privacy settings to limit who can contact them.
• Talk about the dangers of online strangers.
• Encourage them to think before they post or share anything.

5. Recognise the Signs of Online Issues

Look out for changes in your child's behavior, such as:

• Becoming secretive about their online activity.
• Increased anxiety or withdrawal.
• Sudden mood changes.

6. Encourage Safe and Responsible Use of Technology

Teach your child to:

• Use strong passwords and keep them private.
• Think critically about the information they see online.
• Be a good digital citizen by treating others with respect.

7. Know Where to Get Help

If you’re concerned about your child’s online safety, here are some useful resources:

• National Online Safety (www.nationalonlinesafety.com)
• UK Safer Internet Centre (www.saferinternet.org.uk)
• CEOP (Child Exploitation and Online Protection) (www.ceop.police.uk)

By working together, we can help children enjoy the online world safely and responsibly. If you need any advice or support, please don’t hesitate to contact the school.