The online world is posing an ever-increasing risk to children and young people therefore it is incredibly important that schools, parents and carers work together to safeguard our children, taking an active role in teaching them how to act safely when using the internet.

At Greenford High School, we endeavour to provide our young people with the knowledge, skills, understanding and tools they need to stay safe and make positive choices online. This feeling of confidence, independence and empowerment can be further enhanced when parents and carers take an active role in supporting their child with their use of technology. However, we also understand that it is difficult to stay up to date with the latest devices, platforms, apps, trends and related threats.

The following is a selection of resources that aim to inform and support you in your understanding of online safety issues:

National Online Safety

An organisation that works in partnership with schools, providing courses, online video resources and weekly guides for parents and carers. https://nationalonlinesafety.com/

 

Safer Internet Day

As part of the UK Safer Internet Centre, this website promotes Safer Internet Day, an annual event in February. https://saferinternet.org.uk/

 

Internet Matters

Internet Matters provides a vast range of age-specific resources and guidance to empower parents and support families at home. https://www.internetmatters.org/

 

Common Sense Media

The Common Sense Media website is a great resource examining current TV, films and games - billing itself as reviewing what young people are into (before they get into it). https://www.commonsensemedia.org/

 

The Guardians - 'Children's Tech'

This is a really informative website providing updated articles and information on the latest developments in technology aimed at young people. https://www.theguardian.com/technology/children-s-tech

 

A Guide to Parent Controls

This guide will help you set up parental controls to provide your child with a safer online environment. https://matthewarnold.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/document/Parental-Controls-Booklet.pdf?ts=1684588184

 

SWGfL

This charity provides online safety resources, advice and articles, including social media checklists. Click on the link for more information. https://swgfl.org.uk/resources/

 

thinkuknow

Part of the National Crime Agency, the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (CEOP) provides online safety resources for parents/carers and pupils through thinkuknow, including its 'Ask the Awkward' feature.  https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/parents/

 

Childnet

Childnet provides help and advice for a range of key online safety topics. For help and advice please click https://www.childnet.com/help-and-advice/parents-and-carers

 

NSPCC

In partnership with Ambitious about Autism, the NSPCC provides online safety tips, advice and activities specifically for parents and carers of children with SEND. For a wealth of information, please visit their website https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/online-safety-families-children-with-send/

 

Internet Watch Foundation

The Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) works to stop the repeated victimisation of people abused in childhood, and helps to make the internet a safer place. https://www.iwf.org.uk/