Today is Safer Internet Day and we are joining with schools across the UK to celebrate the internet and join the global campaign to promote the safe and responsible use of technology.
This requires everyone; young people, parents, carers, teachers, social workers, law enforcement, companies, policymakers and more, to join together in helping to create a better internet.
Using the internet safely and positively is a key message that we promote at St Vincent’s, and celebrating Safer Internet Day is a great opportunity for us to re-emphasise the online safety messages we deliver throughout the year.
All the children took part in a special assembly this morning led by our Computing consultant, Belinda. She reminded us all about how we need to be kind online to others and to listen to that funny feeling if ever something happens that makes us feel uncomfortable. We also talked about being an ‘upstander’ and standing up for people if others are being unkind to them.
She also worked with Year 5 and 6 to discuss in more detail their online behaviours and how we can use the internet safely. We discussed lots of scenarios and whether we would trust the information or need to check it. It was an important reminder that we need to think critically when we are online and question whether people are being always being honest. Belinda then led a parent workshop to support parents and answer their questions about the internet and how to keep children safe. Click here to see the slides from her presentation.
We would be delighted if you could join us in celebrating the day by continuing the conversation at home. Here are some resources that may support you to do this:
- Safer Internet Day website has top tips for talking to your children and resources that you can use
- Advice for parents and carers from Childnet
- Reviews and information about games, apps, TV shows and websites from Common Sense Media
- Help on using parental controls and privacy settings from Internet Matters
- Children can go onto BBC Own It to find videos and advice about how to use the internet safely
- Our School Online Safety page is regularly updated with the latest advice and guidance
Online safety is an important issue which as a school we’re committed to teaching our children about.
If you have any concerns or questions about keeping your child safe online, please do get in touch with a member of school staff and we will work together to support.
