Elm Academy

Online Safety

If you're a parent or carer in Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole (BCP), there are several local and national resources available to help you ensure your child’s online safety. These services provide guidance on everything from setting parental controls to understanding potential online risks such as cyberbullying, online predators, and inappropriate content. Here's a summary of support services and advice available in the BCP area:

BCP Council - Online Safety

  • Website: Online safety | BCP
  • Overview: BCP Council offers resources and guidance for parents on how to keep their children safe online. This includes advice on setting parental controls, understanding internet risks, and the importance of open communication with your child about their online activity.
  • Key Features:
    • Advice on parental controls for various devices and platforms.
    • Information about common online risks such as cyberbullying, online grooming, and inappropriate content.
    • Resources to help parents talk to their children about online safety.
    • Safeguarding tools and updates on the latest online trends or apps that may pose risks to young people.

Safer Internet Centre

  • Website: Safer Internet Centre
  • Overview: The UK Safer Internet Centre provides expert advice and resources on online safety for parents, schools, and children. It runs the annual Safer Internet Day and offers various tools to help parents protect their children while they are online.
  • Key Features:
    • Top tips for parents on how to help children use the internet safely.
    • Advice on popular apps and games to be aware of, and how to manage online risks.
    • Parental control guides for different devices, apps, and social media platforms.
    • Helpline for parents who need advice or have concerns about online safety.

Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP)

  • Website: CEOP Safety Centre
  • Overview: CEOP, part of the National Crime Agency, helps to protect children and young people from sexual exploitation and online abuse. CEOP offers advice and resources for parents and children on how to stay safe online.
  • Key Features:
    • Report abuse: If you suspect your child is being exploited or abused online, you can report it directly to CEOP.
    • Safety advice: Information on staying safe across social media, gaming, and other online spaces.
    • Eductional resources for both children and parents about safe online behavior.

 

Internet Matters

  • Website: Internet Matters
  • Overview: Internet Matters is an independent, not-for-profit organization that provides expert, up-to-date guidance for parents on internet safety. They offer advice on online risks, privacy, and parental controls.
  • Key Features:
    • Age-appropriate guides: Tips for keeping children safe at different stages of their development.
    • Resources on social media safety, including privacy settings and how to talk to kids about online interactions.
    • Parental controls guides for major platforms, apps, and devices.
    • Online bullying and wellbeing resources, addressing mental health challenges caused by online interactions.

National Online Safety

  • Website: National Online Safety
  • Overview: National Online Safety provides resources for parents and schools to help safeguard children online. They offer free online safety guides, webinars, and courses for parents.
  • Key Features:
    • Free downloadable guides: Detailed advice on keeping children safe on specific platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, etc.
    • Webinars and courses for parents on topics like cyberbullying, screen time management, and privacy settings.
    • Cybersecurity and safety tools for parents to use when managing children's online activities.

The Parent Zone

  • Website: The Parent Zone
  • Overview: The Parent Zone is dedicated to helping parents navigate the digital world and support their children's online lives. They offer resources to make sure families understand and manage online risks.
  • Key Features:
    • Expert-led webinars and resources on topics like online safety, digital wellbeing, and how to have conversations with children about the internet.
    • Parenting guides on issues like managing screen time, cyberbullying, and teaching children about responsible online behavior.
    • One-to-one support via consultations to help parents address specific concerns or issues.

Bullying UK (Part of Family Lives)

  • Website: Bullying UK
  • Overview: Bullying UK provides advice for parents whose children are facing bullying, including cyberbullying. The website offers guidance on how to deal with online harassment and how to support children who are experiencing bullying at school or on the internet.
  • Key Features:
    • Advice for parents of children experiencing cyberbullying and how to report it.
    • Support for children on how to handle online bullying.
    • Step-by-step guides for parents on managing online bullying and ensuring their child’s safety online.

General Tips for Parents on Online Safety:

  • Start the Conversation Early: Talk to your children about their online habits, apps they are using, and the people they interact with online. Make sure they understand the potential risks.
  • Set Clear Boundaries: Establish rules about online activity, such as which websites, apps, and games are appropriate, and set time limits for screen use.
  • Use Parental Controls: Set up parental controls on devices, apps, and platforms to restrict access to inappropriate content and track your child's online activities.
  • Be Involved: Stay engaged with your child's online life. Know the platforms they use, and regularly check their privacy settings.
  • Monitor Digital Footprints: Educate your child about the potential consequences of sharing personal information online and encourage them to keep their digital footprint safe.

By using these resources and strategies, you can help ensure your child remains safe in the digital world while also empowering them to make responsible choices online

 

Website  https://www.commonsensemedia.org/

Common Sense Media is a nonprofit organization that provides resources and guidance to help parents, educators, and children navigate the digital world safely and responsibly. The organization focuses on media and technology literacy, helping families make informed decisions about the media and content their children engage with, from movies and TV shows to video games, apps, and websites.

Key Features of Common Sense Media:

  1. Reviews and Ratings
    Common Sense Media offers detailed reviews of a wide range of media content, including:
    • Movies, TV shows, and streaming platforms
    • Books, podcasts, and music
    • Video games and mobile apps
    • Websites and online platforms

Each review provides:

    • Age-appropriate ratings based on the content's suitability for different age groups.
    • Detailed descriptions of themes, language, violence, and other relevant factors.
    • Parental guidance on what content is appropriate for different developmental stages.
  1. Parenting Advice and Tools
    Common Sense Media offers practical advice for parents on how to manage their children’s screen time, foster healthy media habits, and protect their privacy online. Resources include:
    • Tips on digital parenting, including how to set boundaries and rules around media use.
    • Family media agreements that outline agreed-upon screen time limits, content restrictions, and expectations.
    • Guides on online safety to help children navigate social media, gaming, and other online spaces safely.
  2. Privacy and Safety Resources
    The organization emphasizes the importance of online safety and privacy, providing resources on:
    • How to protect children’s personal information online.
    • How to manage social media settings and privacy options.
    • How to recognize and address online risks such as cyberbullying, inappropriate content, and online predators.
  3. Digital Citizenship
    Common Sense Media advocates for teaching children about digital citizenship, which includes:
    • Respectful online behavior.
    • Managing online relationships and fostering empathy in digital interactions.
    • Understanding the consequences of online actions and how to behave ethically in the digital world.

Additional Services:

  • News and Trends: Regular articles on the latest trends in technology, media, and how they impact children, including emerging issues like screen addiction and the role of influencers.
  • Research and Reports: Common Sense Media publishes research studies and reports on children’s media use, digital well-being, and the effects of screen time on mental health.

Summary:

Common Sense Media is a trusted resource for parents, educators, and children to navigate the complexities of digital media. By offering expert reviews, parenting advice, educational resources, and guidance on privacy and online safety, Common Sense Media helps families make informed choices about the media their children consume. The organization’s focus on promoting digital literacy, safe online behaviour, and healthy media habits empowers children to use technology responsibly and ethically.