How can I help my child stay safe online?

Children use the internet regularly and may be involved in more online activity than their parents. Some children may have greater technical knowledge than their parents, but they may be unable to identify the risks of giving too much personal information online, and may be unable to spot scams as readily as adults. So:

• Take the time to get involved in your children’s internet use and teach them about online safety.
• Explain to children that they should not give any personal information online, eg full name, address, mobile number, email address, school name etc, if they would not want it freely available in the offline world.
• Explain that people online may be lying about who they are, and ensure your children know they must always get your permission before agreeing to meet anyone.
• Make children aware of spam or junk emails and explain that they should not open emails or texts from someone they don’t know.
• If children are using social networking sites, make sure they use appropriate privacy settings.
• Be aware that children may be accessing the internet via their games console or mobile phone.
• Consider using internet filtering and monitoring software for computers, mobiles or games consoles that you or your children own or use.

The three links below have loads of information on child saftey whilst online.

George Dunning is Kirkleatham Hall School certified CEOP Ambassador. His role covers a wide range of areas and knowledge including:

• The nature of online offending against children
• How offenders use the online environment
• How young people use the internet and mobile technology
• Risk taking behaviour of young people online, including digital footprints and sexting
• School and organisational responses and policy in this area

( School has internet safety measures in place such as a firewall that is linked to the Local Authority and monitored on a regular basis)

Digital Parenting an online digital magazine to help to stay safe online from Vodaphone

Childnet International, a non-profit organisation working with others to help make the internet a great and safe place for children.

Parent Zone making the internet work for families

Here is a leaflet provided by Cleveland Police to help us all stay safe on line

Please See Below