Being online is great, you can find out vast amounts of information, talk to friends, see family and learn and watch videos on your favourite interests, but it can also be rather dangerous. Please explore the information shared below to ensure you keep yourself and others safe.
There is also extra information for Parents and Carers on how best we can monitor and support our young people when online.
Remember if you are worried or concerned about anything you have witnessed or been exposed to online you can talk with ANY staff member to help and support you.
You also have:
Sarah Harding - DSL - Sarah is your Designated safeguarding lead if you are are worried or scared Sarah can help and support you.
Sarah Pearce - ICT Lead - You will cover online safety in your ICT lessons, this will provide you a range of different strategies on how to keep safe online.
Some facts and statistics sited on ofcom.org.uk April 2024
- Compared to a year ago, a higher proportion of 5–7 year old’s go online to send messages or make voice/video calls (59% to 65%) or to watch live-streamed content (39% to 50%).
- Online gaming among 5–7 year-olds has also seen a significant annual increase – 41%, up from 34%.
- A third (32%) of 8-17 year old’s say they have seen something worrying or nasty online in the last 12 months
- All girls aged 8-17 are more likely than boys of the same age to experience nasty or hurtful interactions online
- Around a quarter of 5-7 year olds 24 % now own a smartphone.
Top 5 apps/sites used, by age group. Source Ofcom (2024)
As parents and Carers, it is important that we understand that if our young people are accessing the internet then there is a high chance they will access something that is not age appropriate. This can cause young people to become upset, worried or scared.
By reading as much information shared below will enhance your knowledge on how best to monitor and control what your young people are accessing, equipping you with strategies on how to support them if they have seen something concerning.
All the links below provide information for parents, carers and young people on how to keep safe online including information on the new Online Safety Act 2023.
-
Programmes and resources | Parent Zone | At the heart of digital family life
-
Internet-Matters-Guide-Official-UK-Social-Media-Guidance.pdf
-
Safer Internet Day 2024: What do YOU think about new online technology? - BBC Newsround
- Online Safety Bill receives Royal Assent and becomes UK law - BBC Newsround
- Advice and tips for staying safe online - BBC Newsround
If you feel you require any additional information, or feel you need support with setting up parental controls, please feel free to contact the school directly and we will try our best to help you.
Or alternatively email sarah.pearce@thebridgesedgemoor.org
Young People - If you are scared, worried or concerned about something that has happened online and don’t know who to talk to, the links below may be able to help.
