At OLSK, we want every child and every adult to be safe online.

Many of us see our online lives and offline lives as different.

But for children growing up with technology and the internet, there isn’t a difference – online life and offline life is just life.

Technology can move at an extraordinarily fast pace. So it can be difficult to know how to start talking to your child about what they’re doing online, who they might be speaking to or discussing the potential risks and issues.

Starting the conversation

Talking regularly with your child can help keep them safe online. Making it part of daily conversation, like you would about their day at school, will help your child feel relaxed.

It also means when they do have any worries, they’re more likely to come and speak to you.

But it’s easy to become overwhelmed with the different technology, the language that children use, the huge number of games and apps which are available and the potential risks.

Age-appropriate conversations

Considering your children’s age and ability will help you decide how to speak to them.

For under-11s

• Resources like Talk PANTS and Techosaurus will help.
• Make sure you’re using language they can understand.

What are 5 facts about online safety?

From understanding the need for strong passwords to recognising the risks of clicking unknown links, these 10 facts will help you stay safe online.

• Don't talk to strangers. ...
• Keep your passwords private. ...
• Ask your parent or guardian before filling in online forms. ...
• Don't stay online for too long!

LEGO® Build & Talk

NSPCC teams up with the LEGO Group for online safety resources.

A core part of the NSPCC’s 10-year strategy is to ensure children are safe online. To help achieve this we’ve teamed up with the LEGO Group to help promote their fun, free Build & Talk activities. The six 'adventures' help parents and caregivers talk with their children about key online safety topics through the joy of LEGO play.

For children:

Here are some digital scenarios, write your answer down and bring it in to one of our Digital leaders.

KS1- What advice would you give to this girl?

KS2- Would you click on the link? Why?

EYFS/Pre School: Here is a story all about Smartie Penguin who is very excited about his new tablet for his birthday.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w7vZF-8bTFI

Lunch Time Duty

We will be on a rota and on duty in our Research Centre to monitor computer use and to make sure that everyone is following our Online Safety and Acceptable User Agreement which everyone will have signed. We will also be there to help you if you need us.

Information for Parents

ONLINE SAFETY

We follow the SMART campaign, which helps children remember what to do and what not to do in order to keep themselves and others safe online.

The internet can be a wonderful place when used safely and appropriately, but children need to be taught how to do this. Here are some things you may wish to consider in terms of your child's online safety.

Selfies - Taking selfies is very popular but this comes with concerns that your child may be sending inappropriate pictures of themselves. Focus on encouraging less sharing of photos online.

Cyber-Bullying - Bullying online can be just as devastating as bullying in the 'real world' - help by being actively involved in your child's use of the internet.

Online grooming - Look out for changes in behaviour such as wanting to spend more time on the internet, being secretive about what they're doing online, switching screens when you come near the computer, using language you wouldn't expect them to know and/or becoming emotionally volatile.

Digital Footprints - The internet has a good memory, it keeps a record of everything we do online. Encouraging your children to keep a positive online reputation is essential now and for their future. Most potential employers carry out internet searches of candidates!

Social Media - Consider the legal age restrictions on social media sites. Are you taking responsibility for your children on such sites?