Beechwood Primary School

Internet Safety

The government have just released some updated and important guidance on safeguarding now that our children are mostly at home due to the Corona Virus. I therefore wanted to take this opportunity to highlight a couple of key themes and recommendations within this guidance for your reference and information that relates directly to children and their online safety whilst away from school:

  • Should your children experience any concerns online, it is really important that your children tell you and that you are aware of reporting routes either to school or to a professional body who can support the concern, e.g. via one of these links:

Childline – for support

UK Safer Internet Centre – to report and remove harmful online content

CEOP – for advice on making a report about online abuse

  • Keeping your children safe online is one of the key messages that we regularly teach and revisit with all children at school through e-safety lessons and now that we are not able to regularly remind children in school, we are asking for our families to do so at home. Please could you additionally be aware of what your children are being asked to do online, including the sites that they are asked to access. Additionally, you might be securing additional on-line support for your child beyond that which we are recommending at school. I would like to emphasise the importance of securing online support only from a reputable organisation or individual who can provide evidence that they are safe and can be trusted to have access to children. Government recommended support for parents and carers to help keep their children safe online includes:

Internet matters – for support for parents and carers to keep their children safe online

London Grid for Learning – for support for parents and carers to keep their children safe online

Net-aware – for support for parents and careers from the NSPCC

Parent info – for support for parents and carers to keep their children safe online

Thinkuknow – for advice from the National Crime Agency to stay safe online

UK Safer Internet Centre – advice for parents and carers

Additionally, many children may be accessing apps such as House Party and TikTok . We will be sending two documents (1 to follow) highlighting the risks if children access these resources, which have a 13+ age guide.

It may sound obvious, but do also check your home internet safety filters are active to additionally protect your children.

Finally, here is a resource which might be helpful when trying to explain Corona Virus to younger or more anxious children:  https://www.childrenscommissioner.gov.uk/publication/childrens-guide-to-coronavirus/

Please remember that you can contact the office via email at any time at

[email protected]  or by phone.

Take care and keep safe.

Miss S E Hunter

Headteacher

Houseparty Safety poster
Tiktok Safety Poster