Lots of children have spoken to me about what they have been doing on-line over the summer holidays and during lockdown. I fully understand how captivating the on-line opportunities are for our children, but I want to make sure we are doing everything we can to ensure they are safe while on-line.

There are reports of a particularly gruesome, graphic video being shared on TikTok. As with other forms of social media, the age restrictions should prevent any of our primary children having an account. They exist to protect our children.

Useful resources

‘ThinkUKnow’ is an online safety education programme created by the National Crime Agency. In response to Covid-19 and the recent school closures, they have created a series of Home Activity Packs to support parents. These contain a series of short 15 minute activities designed for three particular age groups: 4-5s, 5-7s and 8-10s (11-13s and 14+ are also available should you have older siblings)

‘Jessie & Friends’ (EYFS and KS1)

A series of 3 animations that follow the adventures of Jessie, Tia and Mo as they begin to navigate the online world, watching videos, sharing pictures and playing games. There's also a storybook for each episode to help you and your child keep the conversation going. The key message throughout 'Jessie & Friends' is that if a child is ever worried by anything online, they should tell a grown-up that they trust. 

To access Jessie & Friends – 4-5s visit:

https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/parents/Support-tools/home-activity-worksheets/early-years/

 

To access Jessie & Friends – 5-7s visit:

https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/parents/Support-tools/home-activity-worksheets/5-7s/

 

Play-Like-Share (KS2)

A series of 3 animations that follows adventures of Alfie, Ellie and Sam as they form a band and enter their school's Battle of the Bands contest. The three friends learn that while the Internet can help, they need to use it wisely and safely. This series is designed for 8-10 year olds and helps them to learn how to spot pressuring and manipulative behaviour online and helps them to stay safe from other risks that they may encounter online.

To access Play Like Share – 8-10s visit:

https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/parents/Support-tools/home-activity-worksheets/8-10s/

There is some excellent advice on the BBC Own It page - https://www.bbc.com/ownit, which has an app to support online wellbeing.

The DfE has also recommended the SafeToNet app to support cyber well being. It is an app which has a real-time safeguarding assistant that filters harmful outgoing messages and educates your child. More information is available here: https://safetonet.com/

Further support and advice for parents and carers on keeping your child safe online at www.thinkuknow.co.uk/parents/