We all need to use the internet for school work, to help us in our day-to-day lives and of course for fun. However, we must all be careful to use the internet and technology wisely and keep ourselves safe.
The number one thing to remember if anything at all is worrying you online or on your phone is to tell a trusted adult like a parent or teacher – don’t be afraid or embarrassed, tell someone straight away.
Here are a few more of the most important things to keep in mind when you use the internet and your mobile phone.
Staying safe online
- Donβt post any personal information online β like your address, email address or mobile number
- Think carefully before posting pictures or videos of yourself. Once youβve put a picture of yourself online people can see it and download it, itβs not just yours anymore
- Keep your privacy settings as high as possible
- Never give out your passwords
- Donβt befriend people you donβt know
- Donβt meet up with people youβve met online. Speak to a trusted adult about people suggesting you do
- Remember that not everyone online is who they say they are
- Think carefully about what you say before you post something online
- Respect other peopleβs views, even if you donβt agree with someone elseβs views doesnβt mean you need to be rude
- If you see something online that makes you feel uncomfortable, unsafe or worried: leave the website, and tell a trusted adult immediately
Staying safe on your mobile
- Donβt reply to any nasty messages you receive – tell an adult about them instead
- Donβt reply to a text from someone you donβt know
- Keep the messages you have been sent so you can show them to a trusted adult and make a note of the time and date of the
- messages or calls you receive
- Donβt answer calls from withheld numbers or numbers you donβt recognise, let it go to voicemail
- Donβt give your mobile number to someone you donβt know
- Donβt send pictures to someone you donβt know and be very careful about sending pictures to anyone on your phone
What to do if you are being bullied online
- Tell an adult you trust if you are being cyberbullied
- Donβt respond or retaliate to bullying messages β it could make things worse
- Block users who send you nasty messages
- Save abusive emails or messages (or texts) you receive and show an adult
- Donβt pass on any cyberbullying videos or messages β this is cyberbullying
- You can talk to someone at ChildLine or get online safety advice at www.childline.org.uk/talk/Pages/Talk
National Online Safety
Please find below a link to the National Online Safety website which is full of detailed information regarding how to keep your child safe online. On here, you will be able to read information about the dangers of gaming addiction and the under-age use of apps.Β
National Online Safety – Gaming
National Online Safety – General Information
National Online Safety – App Information
App Age Restrictions
At Lobley Hill Primary School we are committed to keeping our children safe online. We are highlighting age restrictions for different apps on the poster below; this is in order to advise our parents of how to keep their child safe online when at home.