Technology and it's uses are growing at an ever increasing rate, and never before have children had access to it as immediately as they do now. Children are becoming more technologically capable and aware at younger and younger ages, and it's important that they are educated about how to keep safe, especially while using the internet, where they will have access to a wide variety of media, views and information.
The internet is now a daily part of life, and an excellent research and education tool. Children are educated in school about e-safety (with accessible websites controlled by Warrington Borough Council) and know to immediately tell an adult about anything they see that they don't think is right, or aren't happy with. It is important that while your child is at home, they are aware that e-safety is still something to be vigilant about, so please continue to discuss this with your child. This can be helped by enabling parental controls on any device (phones, tablets, laptops, pc's, games consoles) that can access the internet, as well as parental controls provided by your internet supplier.
- Their favourate online sites
- What they enjoy most, the fun aspects of being online?
- What they think can go wrong?
- How would they react if things got out of control?
Safe: Keep safe by being careful not to give out personal information when you’re chatting or posting online. Personal information includes your email address, phone number and password.
Meet: Meeting someone you have only been in touch with online can be dangerous. Only do so with your parents’ or carers’ permission and even then only when they can be present. Remember online friends are still strangers even if you have been talking to them for a long time.
Accepting: Accepting emails, messages, or opening files, images or texts from people you don’t know or trust can lead to problems – they may contain viruses or nasty messages!
Reliable: Someone online might lie about who they are and information on the internet may not be true. Always check information by looking at other websites, in books, or with someone who knows. If you like chatting online it’s best to only chat to your real world friends and family.
Tell: Tell a parent, carer or a trusted adult if someone, or something, makes you feel uncomfortable or worried, or if you or someone you know is being bullied online.