Internet Safety
The internet is such an integral part of children’s and young people’s lives these days. It opens up so many educational and social opportunities, giving them access to a world of information and experiences.
Whether on a computer at school, a laptop at home, a games console or mobile phone, children and young people are increasingly accessing the internet whenever they can and wherever they are.
As you would protect your child in the real world, you will want to make sure that they are safe whatever they are doing. Like learning to cross the road, online safety skills are skills for life. If your child understands the risks and can make sensible and informed choices online, they can get the most from the internet and stay safe whilst doing so – particularly from those people who might seek them out to harm them.
How do I protect my child?
For advice on the internet and protecting your child – including how to set safety measures on home computers – check out the ‘Think you know’ website: www.thinkuknow.co.uk/parents/
They also have lots of useful information and advice around social networking, instant messaging and other internet related issues.
There is also a film you can watch with lots of tips and info:
How do I talk about pornography?
The charity, Family Lives, have some top tips and also a great little film offering advice on how to talk about this tricky subject: http://familylives.org.uk/advice/if-your-teen-looking-porn-what-can-you-do-0
Another useful link is the South West Grid for Learning: www.swgfl.org.uk
