Online Safety at Ruskin Junior School
Our pupils are growing up in a world of ever-changing technology. Learning how to use and engage with this technology is essential to our children and underpins much of their education and the way in which they learn. However, there are risks when using the Internet and teaching our children about them and how to stay safe online is extremely important.
The Blue Kite Academy Trust have issued an Online Safety Newsletter
The Parent Workshop was really well received by those parents able to attend. Richard, our tutor, has given us the following links to pass to everyone. This information is invaluable when dealing with children and their online safety!
Parents resource pack.
https://thestaysafeinitiative.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Parents_Online_Safety_Advice_Sheet.pdf
We have also been given a video version of the parents workshop which took place in January 2024.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXfjT_CTYuI
There are various documents that we will be looking at and you may find some of them useful too! These have been emailed to our parents.
The school is a certified member of National Online Safety and is able to access its resources in full. We use this resource to keep parents fully up-to-date and provide staff with finger-on-the-pulse CPD. All parents at Ruskin Junior School are provided with usernames and passwords to access the plethora of resources National Online Safety offers. The link to enrol yourself is:
https://nationalonlinesafety.com/enrol/ruskin-junior-school
Please find attached a flyer detailing information about National Online Safety
National Online Safety have "Wake Up Wednesday" where they issue information on particular apps or games that are currently popular. If you have signed up using the above link - you will receive this information via email.
Useful resources and links
Thinkuknow http://www.thinkuknow.co.uk
Thinkuknow is an education programme from the National Crime Agency’s CEOP Command. Since 2006, it aims to ensure that everyone has access to this practical information – children, young people, their parents and carers and the professionals who work with them.
Internet Matters https://www.internetmatters.org/advice/esafety-leaflets-resources/
A comprehensive web resource with a wide array of tips and advice on how to navigate the online world with your child. Some of their guidance we attach below but you can find even more by visiting the link.
NSPCC http://www.nspcc.org.uk/preventing-abuse/keeping-children-safe/share-aware/
The NSPCC are the first to admit that the internet is amazing. Children can play, learn, create and connect - opening up a whole world of exciting possibilities. But with the digital world changing all the time, how can you make sure your child’s staying safe? That’s where the NSPCC come in. Whether you’re an online expert or you’re not sure where to start, their tools and advice will help you keep your child safe.
Childnet http://www.childnet.com/parents-and-carers
Childnet International is a registered UK charity that aims to make the internet a safe place for children and young people. Packed with resources it is a great resource for parents.
CEOP http://ceop.police.uk/safety-centre/
Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) is part of the National Crime Agency and their website can be used to report if you are worried about online abuse or the way someone is communicating online.
BBC https://www.bbc.com/ownit
The BBC have a website and app called Own It. The website has a lot of content for children to help them navigate their online lives, and the free smartphone app comes with a special keyboard which can intervene with help and support in the moments that children need it the most.
SafetoNet https://safetonet.com/
SafeToNet is technology that educates children “in-the-moment” as they use their device. It is a safeguarding assistant that helps them become responsible and safe digital citizens. Its power lies in a smart keyboard that detects risks in real-time. It steers children away from trouble by filtering harmful outgoing messages before they can be sent and any damage can be done.
A guide to Apps & Social Media
The number of apps and social media channels your child could be exposed to grow all the time, as does an app's functionality. We recommend you visit Net Aware to read the latest and most current advice on over 70 apps to ensure you know what they do, how you can limit their features as well as recommended age restrictions.
Below are a number of links to information related to specific internet issues: