Online Safety
Are you concerned about a child's welfare?
If you are at all concerned about an online safety issue that you are unable to speak to your school about, please refer to the NCA (National Crime Agency) approved website - CEOP (Child Exploitation and Online Protection)
CEOP Online Site for advice and reporting of any issues
A helpful explanation of when and how to contact CEOP is here (Website: Thinkuknow)
Has your child seen or experienced something concerning?
If you are concerned that your child has seen or experienced something potentially harmful, Childline is a free, specialist service which can provide trained counselling support and immediate advice and guidance. You can find out more about Childline here.Â
Please also contact the school office and ask to speak to the safeguarding lead. This will help us to know what your child has experienced and be able to support them in school.
One Big Question
A challenge for parents to consider as you support your children.
Support at Home
At St John's, we promote safe and responsible use of the internet throughout our curriculum and through in-class discussions. To support you at home, we have captured some helpful information and documents below. Should you require any other support or advice, please contact the school office.
Parental restrictions for all E-Devices
Should I trust everything I read on the web?
Different ways to communicate online
If you are at all concerned about an online safety issue that you are unable to speak to the school about, please refer to the NCA (National Crime Agency) approved website of CEOP (Child Exploitation and Online Protection): CEOP Online Site for advice and reporting of any issues
WhatsApp - Surely it is harmless?
In a sentence: Allowing your child to use WhatsApp is potentially exposing them to harm; no child of junior age should use it.
Harm from people they do not know: The nature of the app, with the ability for anyone to start talking to them or messaging them, makes them vulnerable to malicious or inappropriate communication from people they do not know.
Harm from people they do know: With the ability to delete messages, add peers to groups without permission, and send messages that disappear, there is so much scope for your children to see content that even the best supervision won't pick up. Our experience of children's maturity in using apps such as this, sees them say things they would not normally say, the impact of which significantly affects those involved - their mental health, their friendships and behaviour in school, their learning and development.
Allowing your child to use WhatsApp is potentially exposing them to harm; no child of junior age should use it.
What can they use instead?
Richmond's online safety expert recommends Messenger Kids, which provides parents with much greater oversight and ability to protect your children when messaging friends and family.
You can find out more here: https://www.messengerkids.com
parents_and_carers_check_list_online_safety_awareness_1507557713 (1).pdfNew device?
These five top tips should support you in setting this device up correctly so that your child is safe while using it online:
parent info sheet online safety.pdf
