E-Safety

At Oaklands Primary school e-safety is very important for both children and adults. We aim for all pupils to understand the opportunities that technology brings, as well as understanding and knowing what to do if you ever feel uncomfortable online. E-safety forms part of the school curriculum and is a part of every lesson where computing is taught. Equally, the adults in school follow a strict set of guidelines to ensure that safeguarding your children remains our top priority.

We are aware that there are a growing number of children using using online games including games like Fornite (age rating 13 at the time of writing) and Roblox (currently no age rating). Our advice to parents is to get to know the security and privacy settings of games that your children are playing. This will give you peace of mind and also allow you to make informed decisions about what your children are becoming exposed to online. Information on gaming safety from the NSPCC can be found on the second link in our 'useful links' section of this page.

Remember that age restrictions are set for a reason e.g. Facebook and Instagram have a minimum age use of 13 years.

Useful Websites for Parents

www.childnet-int.org – A non-profit making organisation working directly with children, parents and teachers to ensure that the issues of online child protection and children’s safe and positive use of the internet are addressed. Childnet International produce an online CD guide specifically for parents KnowITAll – www.childnet-int.org/kia/
www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/online-games/ - Advice on how to keep children safe when playing online games
www.thinkuknow.co.uk – The Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) Centre has set up its own educational website which has been designed and written specifically for children, young people, teachers, parents and carers. There are different sections for different age groups.
www.getsafeonline.org A beginners guide to using the Internet safety, including a quiz and some video tutorials about how to ‘stay safe’ on-line.
www.kidsmart.org.uk – Kidsmart is an award winning internet safety website for parents and those working with children. It has been developed by the children’s internet charity Childnet International and has excellent information on many of the technologies used by children, with guidance on how to ‘stay safe’ online.
www.bullying.co.uk – One in five young people have experienced bullying by text message or via email. This web site gives advice for children and parents on bullying.
www.parents.vodafone.com – Vodafone have developed this website in conjunction with mumsnet. It is very accessible and provides information and guidance to parents with understanding their child’s digital world and get more involved. There is even an on-line test to see how much you know!
www.internetmatters.org – Lots of guidance and articles for parents about keeping their children safe online, including specific guidance for parents/carers of children with SEND (see leaflet below)