E-Safety
E-Safety Information: Keep safe, stay safe.
Computer security
Hacking – use a strong password and don’t tell anyone it.
Phishing – don’t click on links from someone you don’t know.
Viruses and malware – install antivirus software.
Digital footprint
Anything posted online can be there for years.
Never post anything online that you would never say in person.
Think before you post or upload – Would you show it to your Dad, Mum, Nan or teacher? If not, don’t share it online.
Avoid the temptation to give out personal information.
Cyberbullying – some statistics
More than 16,000 young people are absent from school because of bullying
83% of young people say bullying has a negative impact on their self-esteem
30% of young people have gone on to self-harm as a result of bullying
10% of young people have attempted to commit suicide as a result of bullying
When you share something online, you can lose control of it. Even if you delete a photo or post you can’t be sure it hasn’t been copied or downloaded by someone else. Think about how many people you’re sharing with and whether they will take care of what you share. Don’t forget it’s easy for other people to copy what you share online, change it and share it without you knowing.
CEOP (The Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre) work across the UK tackling child sex abuse and providing advice for parents and young people. Parents can access additional resources from their website thinkuknow.co.uk
Social Media
The teenage brain is already feeling angry, alienated and disorientated, therefore although there can be many advantages to social media, many teenagers are affected by the disadvantages of social media including the impact on mental and emotional well-being.
How can parents help?
Ensure children have quality time for sleep without interruptions from mobile devices
Consider blocking access to certain internet sites (i.e. gambling etc.)
Restricting time on games/internet
Consider ‘mobile free zones’ i.e. during dinner, at night etc.
Encourage children to socialise face to face
Encourage creative activities
Social Media and the law
Know the laws about social networking before you hit ‘send’. … “It’s extremely easy for police to trace you,”
“It is illegal to possess and especially distribute an indecent image of a child.”
“It is an offence to send grossly offensive communications.”
Malicious Communications Act 1988 (threats made online).
Communication Act 2003 (electronic communications that are offensive, obscene, indecent, false or for the purpose of causing anxiety).
Tips for parents:
If you believe your child is the victim of abuse/aggression/bullying or sexual provocative behaviour – keep the evidence, screenshot and save.
If the issue continues, phone 101 (this is the advice given by the police).
The school would want to know if there is an on-going issue of e-safety involving your child, but should not be expected to punish/intervene with behaviour for which parents have responsibility.
Click the link below, for more excellent advice to help parents keep their children safe online.