The Internet is a wonderful place to play, create, connect and learn. However, there are also risks involved. At Castleside Primary we encourage our children to use the Internet in a safe, responsible way, trying to become good digital citizens for the digital age. As part of our computing curriculum we address internet safety and teach the children how they can be safe online.
This section of our website will provide parents with links to useful advice when you use the internet and some great tips on how to stay safe.
If you are worried about anything your child sees online; if people are asking them questions about where they live; or if people are saying nasty things to them; follow any of the links below for help and advice or speak to a member of staff in school who can support you with this.
Weblinks
NSPCC
The NSPCC website provides access to a range of information about keeping children safe online and how to set up parental controls on a range of different devices. It also contains guides on the latest social media apps, games and networks. The NSPCC have also teamed up with O2 to provide an helpline for parents who are worried about something their child may have seen or experienced online. The number is 0808 800 5000. Here are some of their guides.
Online Safety Tips to Keep Your Child Safe Online
Online Safety Primary School Children
Online Safety for Under Fives
Online – Safety Checklist for Teenagers
Net Aware 
Net aware is a joint venture from O2 and the NSPCC. Just type in the app and it provides up to date information about all of the latest trends and Apps available. It also includes age ratings and guides to altering the parental controls on many of the Apps. It is an excellent first stop for finding out about the ever developing online world.
Internet Matters
Internet Matters is another informative website. It has a lot of good advice on adding parental controls as well as on most aspects of online safety. Parental controls will only help keep children safe. The best safety feature that a child has is their parent or carer. Take the time to talk to your child about the apps and games they are using and don’t be afraid to say no sometimes!
ThinkUKnow
ThinkUKnow is the website aimed at children and their parents from the National Crime Agency. It has lots of useful suggestions and advice on how to report issues. It also has lots of games and activities including Jessie and Friends for the younger children and Band Runner for the older ones.
National Online Safety
The National Online Safety website contains lots of up to date guides about the latest trends in apps and games. Here are some of their guides. We are aware that some of these apps have a 13+ age certificate and we are not encouraging their use. However we believe it is important that parents are aware of the potential dangers of using these apps.
LGfL
The LGfL website has some good online quizzes and information about online safety. For the youngest children being tricked into sharing pictures can be an issue. LGfL have produced a lovely free video which has some great advice and a very catchy song!
Childline
Many children will at times suffer from online bullying. It is really important that they have someone they can talk to and know that it is not acceptable. Most apps and sites will have systems in place that allow bullying to be reported. Your child’s school may be able to help with this.
Children can also call Childline on 0800 1111 for advice on anything that is worrying them or visit the Childline website for more support.
Castleside Primary Acceptable Use Agreements
At Castleside Primary School we realise the importance of the Internet and computing to everyday life. We are also aware of the dangers posed by ever changing technology.
While using the Internet at Castleside adults and children follow our acceptable use agreements.
Finally since 2015 is has been a criminal offence for an adult to send a message with sexual content to a child (This is Section 67 of the Serious Crime Act 2015). If you are concerned that this might have happened please contact The Police without further using the device. This will help ensure that evidence can be preserved. The Police can be contacted by phone or from the ThinkUKnow website.
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