Christmas is a magical time for children and we all like to get them the presents they want most; invariably these days that tends to be smart phones, tablet computers and games consoles. All of these devices engage children in a stimulating interactive environment. Used appropriately, they can be fun and beneficial to learning but used inappropriately they can be a risk to children. All adults have a responsibility to support children to make the right choices when online and this is an appropriate time to point out some simple measures that can be applied at home.
Some tips for you to help keep your children safe online
Teaching eSafety is an importing part of keeping our children safe and we do this in school using age appropriate resources to demonstrate the risks and how to avoid them. It is very important that children take these messages with them at the end of the school day and are supported when using technology at home. Each and every adult has a responsibility to protect children and this includes protecting them when they are on line. Below is a list of websites that you may find useful.
Websites to visit for more information
www.thinkuknow.co.uk – Visit the ‘Parent/ Carer’ section and use the ‘Click CEOP’ button to seek advice and report online abuse.
www.saferinternet.org.uk – Advice, guidance and ‘Top Tips’ for both parents/ carer and children can be found on this site.
www.childnet.com – Visit the ‘Know It All’ Section for an interactive guide about online safety.
www.getsafeonline.org – Free up to date Security advice including using complex passwords, privacy settings, safe searching and social networking
If you have an urgent concern about the safety of a child over the Christmas period the emergency contacts can be found on the Knowsley Council website www.knowsley.gov.uk
Wishing you and your family a very happy Christmas.