With an increase in children’s online activity due to COVID-19, self-isolation, lockdown and remote learning, it is vital that parents and carers monitor what children are viewing and accessing online.

If you follow these rules your children will be safer:

● Never leave young children alone with a device. If you do allow them to enjoy some online content, please watch with them.

● If you or your child do come across any inappropriate content, report it and flag it immediately.

● Use available software to manage time online, apps being accessed and to also filter inappropriate websites.

● Talk to your children about the things they are doing online. Communication is by far the best defence against these sorts of trends. Create an environment of openness about technology and discuss it regularly.

Please monitor the amount of screen time your child is having and encourage them to play in other ways such as outdoors, with board games or other age appropriate toys.

For further guidance on online safety and how to protect your child, please use the following links:

Information and Support:

Information, Advice and Support to Keep Children Safe Online – Internet Matters

Guide to parental controls and privacy settings:

Parental Controls & Privacy Settings Guides – Internet Matters

Parental controls give your child a safe space to explore their curiosity online and have step by step guides that will help you to set up the right controls and privacy settings on gadgets, apps and websites.

Reporting an Incident:

Report to CEOP – ThinkUKnow - http://www.thinkuknow.co.uk and inform the school as well. If you are worried that your child is being groomed online or sexually exploited you should report your concerns to CEOP. It is not always easy to spot the signs but if you have any concerns, please contact them. https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/parents/Get-help/Reporting-an-incident/