Our pupils are growing up in a world of ever-changing technology. While we feel that the use of technology is a largely positive aspect of modern life, we cannot ignore the risks that can be associated.

In school we aim to teach children:

• The impact of cyber-bullying and what to do if they have been affected
• To be vigilant when communicating online, recognising that people may not always be who they say they are and to be sensible about what they share
• To tell an adult they trust if something is upsetting them
• To question the reliability of information given through a web-based source
• To search responsibly for information while using internet browsers

Below is a list of useful websites, advice and resources that you may find helpful when navigating the issue of online safety with children in your care. 

Safer Schools NI App

A new safeguarding app, ‘Safer Schools NI’, is now available to parents and carers in Northern Ireland. The Safer Schools app has been offered to the Department of Education by the iNEQE Safeguarding Group’, run by Jim Gamble. As a parent and carer, the Safer Schools NI App will help you to navigate the digital world that your children and young people live in every day.

Lego Build & Talk https://www.lego.com/en-gb/families/guides/build-and-talk

A resource to support discussion around staying safe online, build Lego together and discuss big topics. 

Thinkuknow/CEOP Education http://www.thinkuknow.co.uk
Thinkuknow is an education programme from the National Crime Agency’s CEOP Command. Since 2006, it aims to ensure that everyone has access to this practical information – children, young people, their parents and carers and the professionals who work with them. 

Internet Matters https://www.internetmatters.org/advice/esafety-leaflets-resources/
A comprehensive web resource with a wide array of tips and advice on how to navigate the online world with children and young people. 

National Online Safety https://nationalonlinesafety.com/resources/platform-guides/
National Online Safety's mission is to make the internet a safer place for children. They aim to do this by equipping school staff, parents, carers and children with the knowledge they need to understand online dangers and how best to react should an incident arise. The link above provides up-to-date information about a wide variety of social media apps and platforms your child might be using.

NSPCC http://www.nspcc.org.uk/preventing-abuse/keeping-children-safe/share-aware/
The NSPCC website gives helpful hints and tips on how to start conversations around online safety in a fun way through a character called 'Techosaurus.'

Childnet http://www.childnet.com/parents-and-carers
Childnet International is a registered UK charity that aims to make the internet a safe place for children and young people. Packed with resources, it is a great tool for parents and guardians. 

https://www.pics4learning.com/  or https://www.picsearch.co.uk/ are two websites which offer a safer option for image searches.