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Online Safety (Parents)

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:

 

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.

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