One way to make browsing the internet safer at home is to use a 'safe search' search engine. Below are links to searchengines designed for children to use on the internet:
Safe Search Kids
Ask For Kids
Kids Click
Childnet
Home Internet filtering
We also encourage parents to set up filtering on their home internet. To learn how to do this for the major Internet providers please click on one of these links:
Internet matters
UK safer Internet
We also suggest parents visit the website link below for up to date information on Facebook privacy settings, as whilst we know that no children under the age of 13 should be on Facebook, if they are then they should be educated as to how to ensure they are safe:
YouTube Education
YouTube have a site dedicated to education that includes educational material suitable for children:
CEOP
In school, children learn about E-Safety. We also encourage parents/carers to talk to their children about how to behave safely when online, to ensure pupils remain safe when browsing at home. Our aim is to ensure that our children know to report any inappropriate content, contact or conduct they encounter online to CEOP (Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre) by visiting this page and clicking the report button below:
CEOP also has a great website of information on E Safety called Think U Know. The website provides excellent clear guidance for parents and children about E-Safety, so please click on one of the following links and have a read: there are separate sites for Parents, Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2:
Parents
Key Stage 1
Key Stage 2
Discussing online safety with your children
The following short clips are useful when discussing online safety with your child.
Children aged 5 - 7
Children aged 8 - 10
Screen Addiction
'Screen addiction' is becoming a real problem, even more so during COVID-19 lockdowns, which is why it's more important than ever for children and adults alike to learn and develop healthier digital habits.
Below is a link to a useful resource called “Understanding Screen Addiction and Responsible Digital Use” which offers lots of valuable information such as:
- How technology use has changed over the years (72% of adults now consider smartphones their most essential device)
- The impact of COVID-19 on screen time use and digital behaviours (smartphone usage in the UK surged by 30% during lockdown)
- Understanding screen addictions and how our devices affect our brains and change our behaviours (e.g. dopamine-driven reward loops)
- Helpful tips and useful advice for tackling device addiction, managing gadget and internet use, and creating healthier digital habits.
You can check out the full guide here - https://www.comparethemarket.com/broadband/content/screen-usage-guide/
Please note we do note we do not endorse companies, we ae merely passing on information.