E-Safety

What is ‘Online Safety’?

In simple terms, 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.

Advances in technology mean that we have instant, unrestricted access to an ever-growing source of information. These technologies can be fantastic tools for learning, communicating and entertaining but also come with potential risks. It is vital that we all understand these potential risks and how we can safeguard our children against accessing unsuitable material and behaviour online.

 

For general information and advice across the whole range of technology, games and social media that our children are encountering, visit the Parent Safe website. Its topics include safe settings, screen time, cyberbullying, extremism, how to report an issue and top tips for parents that are frequently updated

 

One helpful website is Internet Matters - this website is full of tips and advice on how to keep children safe online. 

 

The National Online Safety Website, make it their mission to make the internet a safer place for children. They give school staff, parents and children the knowledge they need to understand online dangers, all in one place. Below are a selction of the guides that they have developed. If you visit their website, or download their app you can access these guides in different languages.