Dear parents,
Staying safe and being a good friend on apps, sites and games
Children and young people have spent much more time on devices than ever before during lockdown, so as we approach the Christmas holiday, here is some information about staying safe online and principles you can help us remind your children about.
Please do not worry too much about screen time - think instead about screen quality, balance and mental health. It is really important children get the opportunity to chat to friends, but they need support from parents and trusted adults about appropriate behaviour to keep everyone safe and happy.
Children might be upset by bullying on chat apps, distressing images might be shared between friendship groups. This can usually be avoided if we remind children and young people to look out for their friends, not say anything that they wouldn't like to hear themselves, and always stop or stand up for others if someone gets upset.
Please remind your children never to share scary, rude or indecent images, even to complain about them, as this is an offence and they must delete the image. If they do see something that worries them or that might be wrong, all they need to do is ask for help from a trusted adult. You can report it immediately into 101, or raise it with the us at the school. It is important not to blame your child, and if they do talk to you about seeing indecent images they should be praised.
If the child has not deleted an image or video, ask them to do it and help them if they need assistance. They could talk to you or to us at the school, or they may feel more comfortable talking anonymously to Childline.
If you or they are concerned about an adult's behaviour towards a child online, report them to CEOP. And as a parent, you can also contact the NSPCC - O2 advice line on 0808 800 5002.
Thank you for your support - do let us know if you have any questions.
Yours,
Mrs L. Smith
