Downe Manor Primary School

Downe Manor, where everybody has the opportunity to be inspired to reach their full potential through memorable learning experiences

Online Safety

Introduction

Online safety refers to the responsible use of the Internet for gaming and communication, acknowledging that information shared online, like news articles, may not always be accurate. It encompasses various devices such as laptops, tablets, smartphones, and game consoles. It is vital for children and young individuals to comprehend the advantages, risks, and obligations while using and disseminating information online.

Teaching Online Safety Methods

At Downe Manor, we incorporate online safety education into our computing and PSHE curriculum. During PSHE lessons, children are instructed on the SMART rules:

  • S - Safe: Avoid disclosing personal information online.
  • M - Meeting: Meeting online acquaintances can be risky; online friends are essentially strangers.
  • A - Accepting: Refrain from accepting communications from unknown individuals.
  • R - Reliable: Be cautious as people online may not always be truthful about their identity. Only converse online with real-life friends and family.
  • T - Tell: Inform a parent, guardian, or trusted adult if any online concerns arise.

Rules for Ensuring Your Child's Online Safety

To ensure your child's safety online, the following guidelines should be implemented:

  • Establish screen time limits and designated switch-off times.
  • Seek permission before using the Internet and provide updates on online activities.
  • Use devices in communal areas rather than bedrooms.
  • Access only approved websites, games, or child-friendly search engines.
  • Communicate via email or messaging solely with known individuals.
  • Restrict access to Internet chat rooms (on gaming consoles or devices).
  • Avoid using real names online; encourage the use of pseudonyms.
  • Prohibit sharing home addresses, telephone numbers, or school locations.
  • Forbid meeting individuals in person who were initially met online.
  • Use webcams exclusively with familiar acquaintances.
  • Promptly report any distressing online encounters.

 

Guides and information for parents (please note the information provided through these links can be subject to change, therefore, conducting some research is advised

Parental control apps are available across devices utilising operating systems like Windows 10, Apple iOS, and Android. Internet Matters provides guidance on setting up parental controls based on your device type, along with various supportive applications.

Internet Matters Tips: Things you need to know about Cyber Bullying

Internet Matters: Primary School Guide

Internet Matters: Parent Guide for ages 6-10

Internet Matters: Parent guide for ages 11-13

Supporting Young People online

Reporting to social media sites

Top Tips to manage screen time

Tips to manage screen time with children and young people

Snapchat guide

National Online Safety - Wake Up Wednesday Guides for Parents

ofcom-media-use-and-attitudes-report-2023

 

Mental Health

looking-after-your-wellbeing-online

what-parents-need-to-know-about-social-media-and-mental-health.pdf

what-parents-need-to-know-about-online-bullying.pdf

supporting-children-to-deal-with-upsetting-content.pdf

loneliness-online.pdf

Online Safety

what-parents-need-to-know-about-amigo.pdf

what-parents-and-carers-need-to-know-about-echo-chambers.pdf

what-parents-need-to-know-about-bereal.pdf

what-parents-need-to-know-about-discord.pdf

what-parents-need-to-know-about-esports.pdf

what-parents-need-to-know-about-facebook.pdf

what-parents-need-to-know-about-facebook-messenger.pdf

what-parents-need-to-know-about-fifa-23.pdf

what-parents-and-carers-need-to-know-about-fortnite-chapter-4.pdf

what-parents-need-to-know-about-group-chats.pdf

what-parents-need-to-know-about-cross-platform-sharing-of-inappropriate-content.pdf

what-parents-and-carers-need-to-know-about-influencers.pdf

what-parents-need-to-know-about-instagram.pdf

what-parents-and-carers-need-to-know-about-live-streaming.pdf

what-parents-and-carers-need-to-know-about-setting-boundaries-around-gaming.pdf

what-parents-and-carers-need-to-know-about-online-financial-scams-exploitation.pdf

what-parents-need-to-know-about-loot-boxes.pdf

what-parents-need-to-know-about-minecraft.pdf

what-parents-need-to-know-about-modern-warfare-2.pdf

what-parents-and-carers-need-to-know-about-money-muling.pdf

what-parents-and-carers-need-to-know-about-ome-tv.pdf

what-parents-need-to-know-about-overwatch-2.pdf

what-parents-need-to-know-about-reddit.pdf

what-parents-need-to-know-about-roblox.pdf

what-parents-need-to-know-about-sendit.pdf

what-parents-and-carers-need-to-know-about-sharing-photos-online.pdf

what-parents-need-to-know-about-steam.pdf

what-parents-and-carers-need-to-know-about-telegram.pdf

what-parents-need-to-know-about-tiktok.pdf

what-parents-need-to-know-about-twitch.pdf

what-parents-and-carers-need-to-know-about-a-i-virtual-friends.pdf

what-parents-and-carers-need-to-know-about-whatsapp.pdf

what-parents-need-to-know-about-wink.pdf

what-parents-and-carers-need-to-know-about-wizz.pdf

what-parents-need-to-know-about-world-of-warcraft.pdf

what-parents-need-to-know-about-youtube.pdf

Technology

what-parents-and-carers-need-to-know-about-ipads.pdf

10-top-tips-for-safely-using-smart-watches.pdf

10-top-tips-for-stronger-passwords.pdf

helping-children-and-young-people-with-managing-device-stress-and-anxiety.pdf

what-parents-need-to-know-about-setting-up-apps.pdf

what-parents-need-to-know-about-setting-up-new-devices.pdf

what-parents-need-to-know-about-google-chrome-book.pdf

what-parents-need-to-know-about-amazon-fire-tablets.pdf

what-parents-need-to-know-about-virtual-reality.pdf

spotting-ads-on-social-media.pdf

what-parents-need-to-know-about-nfts.pdf

what-parents-need-to-know-about-phone-scams.pdf

what-parents-and-carers-need-to-know-about-data-backups-and-storage.pdf