The extent to which children are comfortable with information technology is wonderful; the wide range of ways in which the iPads get used around school is fascinating. Nevertheless, at the start of term within our classes, we took the opportunity to remind children of the importance of staying safe online.
Being aware of what children see is important. Emma, in Year 2, explained how her parents won’t let her use a website unless they have checked it over first. Other children agreed that similar arrangements have helped them to feel more relaxed when using the internet.
In school we also encourage children to think about the choices they make online and the real world consequences. Cyber bullying and other online abuse is a very sinister prospect. Knowing who to turn to if things go wrong is reassuring for children and those who care for them. Roxanne and Rihanna in Year 6 said, “…don’t talk about personal stuff to people you don’t know and NEVER meet up with people you’ve met online without an adult going with you.”
Children love using technology to learn and relax. A quick show of hands in class supports the claim made in a national newspaper a couple of years ago that most children know their parents’ passwords or device pin codes. Reason enough to recommend discussing boundaries and adults to turn to, just in case.
Links for further advice:
http://www.nspcc.org.uk/preventing-abuse/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/
https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/parents/Primary/
Being aware of what children see is important. Emma, in Year 2, explained how her parents won’t let her use a website unless they have checked it over first. Other children agreed that similar arrangements have helped them to feel more relaxed when using the internet.
In school we also encourage children to think about the choices they make online and the real world consequences. Cyber bullying and other online abuse is a very sinister prospect. Knowing who to turn to if things go wrong is reassuring for children and those who care for them. Roxanne and Rihanna in Year 6 said, “…don’t talk about personal stuff to people you don’t know and NEVER meet up with people you’ve met online without an adult going with you.”
Children love using technology to learn and relax. A quick show of hands in class supports the claim made in a national newspaper a couple of years ago that most children know their parents’ passwords or device pin codes. Reason enough to recommend discussing boundaries and adults to turn to, just in case.
Links for further advice:
http://www.nspcc.org.uk/preventing-abuse/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/
https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/parents/Primary/
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