At Leigh Academy Bearsted we create responsible digital citizens. The Internet and related technologies, including mobile phones, blogs, podcasting and social networks are becoming increasingly important in the daily lives of our children. They can be used both educationally and socially and are becoming part of a child’s identity.
We need to make sure our children are able to use the Internet safely. Many children are unaware of the risks; for example the danger of having online friends, uploading inappropriate images, viewing unsuitable content or even becoming addicted to the Internet.
Our programme of online safety guides your child through digital learning. Through assemblies, a bespoke internet safety curriculum and events, we prepare your child to be a responsible digital citizen in a global world. We all have a role to play in keeping pupils safe online. If you have any concerns, we encourage you to contact our Online Safeguarding Officer (Mrs Champ) for advice and guidance or report it to CEOP (Child exploitation and Online protection Centre).
Resources and Websites for Parents/Carers
- Government Advice – Follow this link for the latest online safety update from the Government.
- Share Aware – It can be hard to keep track of what your child is doing on social networks, apps and games. Or know how to keep them safe. Together we’re helping parents untangle the web and teach their children to be Share Aware. Because, just like in real life, children need your help to stay safe online.
- Think U Know – Thinkuknow is the education programme from NCA-CEOP, a UK organisation which protects children both online and offline.
- Childnet: Childnet International is a non-profit organisation working in partnership with others around the world to help make the internet a great and safe place for children. The Childnet website hosts all the online resources detailed below, as well as a number of recommended resources for young people, parents, carers and teachers.
Parent Guides
- Parents’ Ultimate Guides From apps and games to social media and streaming platforms, Parents’ Ultimate Guides are here to help you navigate your kid’s digital world.
- Talking Points. Talking to your child – openly, and regularly – is the best way to help keep them safe online.
Parental Controls and Filtering
- A Parents’ Guide to Technology: The UK Safer Internet Centre has created this guide to answer commonly asked questions and introduce some of the most popular devices used by children, highlighting the safety tools available and empowering parents with the knowledge they need to support their children to use these technologies safely and responsibly.
- Internet Parental Controls: The four big internet providers – BT, Sky, Talk Talk and Virgin Media – provide their customers with free parental controls that can be activated at any time. Video tutorials on how to download and use these controls are available on the UK Safer Internet Centre website.
Computer Protection and Security
- Get Safe Online: A government website which focuses on online computer security and protection issues. It contains advice about firewalls, spyware and antivirus protection as well as how to protect children online.
Social Networking
- Leigh Academy Bearsted recommends that pupils avoid using all social networking sites and tools until they are of an appropriate age to do so. If parents/families allow the use of such sites then they are strongly advised to use nicknames and avatars when using social networking sites, blogs, Wikis, instant messengers etc. Avatars and nicknames help give pupil’s a ‘hidden’ identity on the internet rather than encouraging them to upload photographs of themselves.
- SWGfL Social Media Checklists up to date and free to download guides on social media sites including TikTok and Roblox.
- NetAware is your guide to the social networks your kids use. Stay up to date and keep your child safe in today’s digital world. Includes specific guidance for the most popular sites/apps including Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Snapchat and Twitter as well as an A-Z guide to many others.
Search Engines
Using a child friendly search engine allows content to be filtered. Most adult search engines, such as Google, Bing and YouTube, also have built in filtering options under the ‘preferences’ link that should be adjusted before use. It is recommended that you use ‘Kiddle’ at home – a child-friendly Google powered search engine.
Our academy remains committed to fostering a safe and empowering digital environment for all members of our community. Together, we strive to build a culture of awareness, respect, and responsibility in the digital world.
For further information and resources, please visit the CEOP website or explore the safeguarding section of our website.