Online Safety Day 2020

Research finds that being online is both liberating and limiting for children.

The internet is a brilliant tool for helping children and adults in their everyday lives. In school we discuss how the internet helps with research, learning how to make and create things, watching videos of the world in action, learning songs and so much more. We know it is so helpful in today's world but we also try and impress upon our children that it can be a dangerous place if we are not careful.

Today we looked into various pitfalls about being online and how we can stay safe - in many classes the biggest issues are around social media or 'open' online groups where we are unsure about who is playing games with us. 

Lots of children in Year 3 mentioned that they are only allowed to play with children or family members that they know which is absolutely right. Some spoke about strangers approaching them asking to play and so they ran and told parents which is the perfect response. In Year 5 & 6 it is the scourge of Social Media and how difficult it can be to not be offended or be offensive in there. We spoke about age restrictions and why they were in place and how in Year 6 many children are still legally TOO young to be allowed on there. We post lots of helpful tips and links about how to stay safe online. If ever you are concerned please do use those links, call the numbers or speak to a member of staff.

• New research from the UK Safer Internet Centre reveals young people’s online experiences are an essential part of who they are offline, with 38% saying it’s easier to be themselves online than offline
• The internet is creating an informed and inspired generation that is taking action
• But some feel pressure to shape their online identity for others – 62% are careful about what they share because they’ve seen people be mean
• Certain groups are being targeted with identity-based hate
• UKSIC call on people to start conversations with young people about online identity.

Top Tips For St Mary's Children

1)      Don’t post any personal information online – like your address, email address or mobile number.

2)      Think carefully before posting pictures or videos of yourself.  Once you’ve put  a picture of yourself online most people can see it and may be able to download it, it’s not just yours anymore.

3)      Keep your privacy settings as high as possible

4)      Never give out your passwords

5)      Don’t befriend people you don’t know

6)      Don’t meet up with people you’ve met online.  Speak to your parent or carer about people suggesting you do

7)      Remember that not everyone online is who they say they are

8)      Think carefully about what you say before you post something online

9)      Respect other people’s views, even if you don’t agree with someone else’s views doesn’t mean you need to be rude

10)   If you see something online that makes you feel uncomfortable, unsafe or worried: leave the website, turn off your computer if you want to and tell a trusted adult immediately.