Online Safeguarding
Online Safeguarding
Online Safeguarding is about keeping safe online, by being careful what information you share online, especially with people you don't know, understanding privacy settings on social networking sites and knowing how to report any inappropriate behaviour such as bullying or inappropriate conversations.
Take a moment to watch this short video: Where's Claus? which shows the importance of keeping your child safe on the internet.
Technology offers us many different ways to communicate and socialise with both people we know and people we don't, anywhere in the world, at any time of day or night, 365 days a year. The internet can be accessed via computers and laptops, games consoles and smart phones. We are able to share our thoughts, photos, videos, and make these available for the viewing and comment of others. We can play games and chat with people we've never met, and never will in the real world. This has now become a part of everyday life, especially for young people, and while it opens up numerous opportunities and benefits, and is revolutionising the way we communicate with friends, it also carries risks such as abuse, bullying, fraud and identity theft.
As a parent or carer of children and young people, it is important to be aware of what you child is doing online, and to be in a position to talk to your child about staying safe online.
Parent / Carer Resources
- ‘The Parents’ and Carers’ Guide to the Internet’, has been created by CEOP to provide a light hearted and realistic look at what it takes to be a better online parent.
- The NSPCC and O2 have teamed up to provide advice and guidance for parents and carers, and also offer an online safety helpline
- CEOP offer guidance regarding ho to speak to if you have concerns regarding your child's online activity
- UK Safer Inernet Centre offer advice on how to talk to your child regarding online safety
- Digitally Confident offer a range of up to date resources and advice for parents and carers
- Digital Parenting magazine keeps parents up to date on the latest internet developments and offers practical advice on how to keep your child safe online
Sexting
Sexting has been defined as the "exchange of sexual messages or images" and "creating, sharing and forwarding sexually suggestive nude or nearly nude images".
Young people may also call it:
- Cybersex
- Sending a nudie, picture or selfie
'Sexting' is more common than you may think, and has been found to be commonplace amongst children and young people. There were over 1,200 ChildLine counselling sessions that mentioned 'sexting' in 2014/15. (NSPCC, 2015). Most young people do not see 'sexting' as a problem and are reluctant to talk to adults about it because they are afraid of being judged or having their phones taken away.
Advice for parents regarding sexting
Zipit
ChildLine has developed an app for young people, which is designed to help them diffuse pressures on them to send an explicit image. The app, called Zipit, offers witty images to send instead of explicit ones and provides advice on how to engage in safe chat and what to do if you are threatened.The App is available for IOS, Android and Blackberry.
Who to speak to if you have a concern regarding eSafety issues
This flow chart to help you know what to do if you become aware of unsuitable or illegal content online.