Online Safety

We take online safety very seriously. Here are some ways in which we help our children to stay safe online:

• School's internet service is heavily filtered by our Internet Service Provider.
• We have a current Online Safety policy.
• When teaching Computing, our staff include online safety as part of the curriculum.
• We run regular assemblies which give children opportunities to learn about and discuss online safety issues. All children are aware that if they are worried about anything, they can speak to any adult in school and are always welcome to have a talk with Mr Blake. 
• Derbyshire Constabulary run 'Internet Safety for Parents' meetings at our school.
• Visitors from Derbyshire Constabulary support our efforts by taking assemblies and running workshops to teach children about online safety and cyber-bullying issues.
• The children's area of our website has an online safety section which the children helped to write.
• Posters are displayed around school.

Screen addiction

It can be challenging for parents and carers to know whether children are spending too much time on their devices. Furthermore, it's even more of a challenge to know whether a child is addicted to social media. Read the guide for information on what is known as 'screen addiction'.

Live streaming

Live streaming is the term used to describe the broadcast of a real-time video from a mobile device, tablet or games console. Live streaming opens up a world of excitement for children, where they can watch live concerts, celebrities, and connect with their friends. The 'stream' can go both ways, and there are apps which enable children to broadcast their own live streams. There are many positives to this technology, but there are dangers with it, too. Click the PDF to see the guide.

Catfishing

In this technological era, making friends online and communicating with them are normal parts of life. Unfortunately, there are people out there who may try to exploit your trust. Catfishing is when someone creates a fake online profile to trick people into thinking they are somebody else. For more information, read this guide.

Age ratings

If you have children, it is understandable to have concerns about the films and TV shows they watch, as well as the games they play. In this guide, we take a look at the two official ways you can assess whether a particular title is suitable for your child.

App stores

'Apps' are designed to run on certain devices and are written for a specific operating system, such as Apple iOS, Windows, or Android. 'App stores' are essentially shop-fronts from where people can download free or paid-for apps. There are some tips in the leaflet to help you moderate and manage your children's use of an app store.

Trolling

A 'troll' is described as somebody who deliberately posts negative or offensive comments online against others. A troll will ultimately post something offensive to provoke an individual for a reaction. See the poster for more information.

Online Challenges

Online or 'viral' challenges (as they are sometimes known) are constantly emerging and evolving. They're often completely innocent, raising awareness of worthy causes or simply providing amusement. However, they can have more sinister undertones, putting children at risk. More information in the PDF on the right.

Online bullying

Going online makes it easier for people to say and do things they probably wouldn't do face to face. Online bullies don't get to see their victims' reactions in real life, so this can cocoon them from the real damage that they are doing. The poster on the right contains some useful information to share with your child.

Children's devices

Children are using smart devices from a much younger age than ever before, so it's essential that we talk to them about how to use them safely. There are many positive benefits to this new technology - however there are plenty of downsides too. See some tips in the leaflet on the right to help you take steps to protect your family against these risks.

VPN

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a privacy tool used to hide internet activity from prying eyes. With a VPN, a secure tunnel is created between your computer or phone and the other end of the connection. VPNs have many legitimate uses, but they can also be used to bypass protections, e.g. parental controls. See more information in the PDF on the right.

YouTube

YouTube is a video sharing site/application that enables users to upload, view, rate, share and comment on a wide variety of videos. Some of our pupils own YouTube accounts, so we're including this guide to help parents keep their children safe.

Twitter

A social networking site where users can post 'tweets' or short messages, photos and videos publicly. They can also share tweets written by others to their followers. Twitter is popular with young people, as it allows them to interact with celebrities, stay up to date with news, trends and current social relevance. The guide provides tips for parents whose children use Twitter.

WhatsApp

One of the most popular messaging apps in the world. It is used to send and receive text, photos, videos and documents, as well as to make voice and video calls. If your child is using WhatsApp, there are some tips in the leaflet to help keep them safe.

Twitch

Describing itself as a 'community of millions who come together to create their own unique, live, unpredictable, never-to-be-repeated entertainment', Twitch is a popular platform for online gaming enthusiasts. With young children and teenagers using the platform, it is important for parents and trusted adults to be aware of the associated risks. See more info in the leaflet.

Reddit

Reddit is a rather unique site that blends the idea of a social network with news, discussion forums and various other media. The leaflet contains some helpful tips for parents.

TikTok

TikTok is a global video community where users create, share and discover 'funny and memorable moments' via short video clips - typically about 15 seconds long. See the leaflet for some helpful parents' tips.

Minecraft

Minecraft is played by millions of children around the world. Players have the freedom to build their own landscapes and creations. They also have the opportunity to explore other people's creations with their characters, connecting to online servers which other players can create. If your child is playing Minecraft, there are some tips in the leaflet to help keep them safe.

Houseparty

A live streaming app described as a face-to-face social network where people 'drop in' on each other to video chat, leave messages and hang out in groups. The recommended age for this app is 13+, but if you discover that your child is using this app, read this guide for some useful information.

Instagram

Instagram is a photo sharing app that allows users to share images and videos with the world. The app has a live streaming feature where users can broadcast videos live, worldwide. There are some tips in the leaflet for parents whose children are using Instagram.

PUBG

PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds, known as PUBG for short, is an online multiplayer gaming experience, and one of the most popular games in the world. Click the PDF for more information, and tips for parents whose children are playing this game.

Roblox

Roblox is a multi-player online gaming platform which allows children to play and create a variety of 3D games. It also features online payments. There are some tips in the leaflet for parents whose children are playing this game.

Snapchat

Snapchat is a photo sharing app for mobile phones and tablets. Some of our pupils are using this app, and there are some handy hints for parents in the leaflet.

Fortnite: Battle Royale

"Fortnite: Battle Royale" is sweeping the nation at the moment, and we thought you'd appreciate National Online Safety's guide to the game. There are some tips in the guide to help keep children safe if they're playing.

Grand Theft Auto (GTA)

An action-adventure video game series where players control criminals and wreak havoc in order to complete missions and progress through the game. GTA has an 18+ rating due to its adult themes, but if you discover that your child is playing this game, read the guide for some useful information.