Online safety refers to the act of staying safe online. It is also commonly known as internet safety, e-safety and cyber safety. It encompasses all technological devices which have access to the internet from PCs and laptops to smartphones and tablets.
Being safe online means individuals are protecting themselves and others from online harms and risks which may jeopardise their personal information, lead to unsafe communications or even effect their mental health and wellbeing.
In an ever-changing world, ensuring pupils’ safety online has never been more important. It’s an all-encompassing duty and something every adult must be vigilant of.
‘Metaverse’ is a relatively new term to many, however the concept has been around for some time. Videogames, for example, use many aspects of the metaverse; avatars, digital currency, mini-games, and open communication. A metaverse can also take many forms; Fortnite can be seen as a metaverse, as is Roblox. Put simply, a metaverse is an online environment where people interact, play games and express themselves. Away from traditional videogames, there are newer and more ‘dedicated’ metaverses such as Decentraland, The Sandbox and Somnium Space which are akin to Second Life.
In the guide below, you’ll find tips on a number of potential risks such as anonymity, psychological impact and unsafe areas.
Experts at Virgin Media have created a children’s Internet safety test to help build awareness for parents and children of all ages to ensure that they are better prepared online.
The below guides give up-to-date information on the most popular devices that children play on. They are useful reads for anyone who has a child who plays on these devices. Please take time to read them when purchasing consoles for your children.
We received a letter from the Children’s Commissioner, recognising the difficulties faced by families in keeping children safe online as ‘real life’ can be deeply entwined with the digital world. Based on surveys and speaking to children who had been victims of online abuse, the letter highlighted the following;
‘Children were clear that they value firm, informed and protective boundaries when adults have concerns about the content they are accessing online.
As parents, carers, and educators, our job must begin and end with our children’s care and safety. It’s what they expect and what they want from you.
As one young person told me: “Don’t be afraid to be firm… If you are worried [that] your child is seeing harmful content and you don’t know what they’re watching and it’s affecting the behaviour, just take it that you know best – they don’t.” Dame Rachel de Souz Children’s Commissioner’
As a result of the study a new guide has been created and we have been asked to share this with you.
Please click on the link below (Ctrl + Click)
What I wish my parents or carers knew: A guide for parents on managing children’s digital lives.
Please find below some useful parental guides for popular apps. These guides contain useful information about the apps, what children can and can’t do on the apps as well as information about the age ratings. Before allowing your children any of these apps, please read the information carefully.