Safeguarding

Safeguarding and Keeping Children Safe

Online Safety:

What are the issues?

The internet and social media – Are places that whilst offering many positive benefits, are also fraught with risks and dangers to young people who can easily fall victim to situations and circumstances which had they been better informed and prepared for, might have been prevented.

The internet is in one sense a valuable resource which enables children and young people to connect, research and communicate but unfortunately, also allows for other people whom the children both know and don’t know, the opportunity, to cause them harm. Being aware both as a parent and in turn, being able to monitor and educate your child/ren is preventative and empowering children to be careful and aware.

However, the internet is always changing, and being able to keep up to date with your children’s use of technology can be a challenge.

You may sometimes feel that your child(ren) has better technical skills than you do, and if that is the case, its vitally important parents are informed to ensure children are able to receive good, informed advice and the necessary protection when it comes to managing their lives online.

Please note, issues that your child may encounter on the internet will vary depending on their age and online activities.

Advice on social media & staying safe:

GOV.UK – Coronavirus: keeping children safe online
10 Tips to Keep Your Children Safe Online
What Parents Need to Know About Friends & Followers
Social Media & Mental Health – the positive and negative impacts – Online Safety Guide
What Parents Need to Know About Video Streaming Apps
What Parents Need to Know About Instagram
What Parents Need to Know About Facebook
What Parents Need to Know About  TikTok
Snapchat Online Safety Guide
YouTube Online Safety Guide for Parents
Supporting Children And Young People With SEND Online

Parental Controls:

Smartphones and other devices

Children are using devices at a younger age so it’s important to consider setting controls on their tech, or on any devices that you are letting them borrow from you. We’ve pulled together a number of guides to give you simple steps to set controls on a range of devices.

Step-by-step Guides
22 Sept 21 A
22 Sept 21 B

KC Parental Internet Settings:

KCOM Parental controls lets you choose how much of the internet you would like you and your family to see. It’s easy to set up and will help you make sure that your family is safe using the internet in your home.
Choose an age profile between 1 – 6, 7 – 11, 12 – 15, 16 – 18 to control the amount of the internet you see. You can even personalise your profile to suit your family.
Switch them on now by clicking here. It’s simple, safe and free for all KCOM broadband customers.

Organisations and websites offering further information and support for online safety:
NSPCC:
www.nspcc.org.uk
Internet Matters:
www.internetmatters.org
Kidscape:
www.kidscape.org.uk
Bullying UK:
www.bullying.co.uk
KidzSearch:
www.kidzsearch.com
Swiggle:
www.swiggle.org.uk
Mumsnet:
www.mumsnet.com
Safer Internet Day:
www.saferinternet.org.uk
PEGI rating games search:
www.pegi.info
Childline:
www.childline.org.uk
Thinkuknow:
www.thinkuknow.co.uk/parents
Childnet:
www.childnet.com