Online Safety How can you protect yourself online?

The internet is such an integral part of our lives these days.

It opens so many educational and social opportunities, giving access to, quite literally, a world of information and experiences. Whether on a mobile device, a computer at school, a laptop at home or a games console, children and young people are increasingly accessing the internet whenever they can and wherever they are. Students at school now have never known a world without the internet - yet for many adults the internet is only a recent innovation.

As you would protect yourself in the real world, you will want to make sure that you are safe whatever you are doing. Like learning to cross the road, online safety skills are skills for life. If you understand the risks and can make sensible and informed choices online, you can get the most from the internet and stay safe whilst doing so.

E-Safety updates are provided on Kingsmead School’s Firefly website on a termly basis and recommended to parents and carers.

Password Security.

• 1. Always keep you passwords secret and make sure they are not easy to guess. Try to include capital letters and numbers in your password.
  Tip: Try turning sentences into passwords - "My dog Rover is 3 years old" becomes "MdRi3yo".
• 2. Change your password on a regular basis.
• 3. If you think someone knows your password make sure you change it.
• 4. If you have the option of setting a security question then do so. Make sure that it is a question that only you know the answer to.

Kingsmead guides on ICT and online safety:

• Young People ICT & online safety:

• Children, ICT & online safety:

Useful Websites

• South West Grid for Learning:

  The SWGfL are Kingsmead Schools Internet Service Provider and have a useful advice section for parents and young people.

• CEOP's thinkuknow:

  This site contains a vast amount of information for young people and parents and is maintained by the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre.

• BBC Webwise:

  The BBC's Internet information website covers an array of topics from child safety to internet banking & online shopping.

• Childnet's award winning Know IT All:

  This website contains a selection of award winning resources for both parents and teachers and downloadable presentations.

  Parent Info
  This website gives help and advice for families in a digital world

  Thinkyouknow
  Helping you get the most out of the internet for your children

  Internet Matters
  Helping parents keep their children safe online