The UK Safer Internet Centre has provided some top tips for parents and carers with suggestions on how to get started and help you to stay safe and positive online. You and your family can #PlayYourPart in creating a better internet by:

Having conversations without judgement.

Whether by playing games, watching videos, or doing things your child enjoys, spending time together online is a great way to start conversations about the online world and how they’re finding being a part of it.
It is important to ask questions and take an interest in what your child enjoys online.
An essential part of having this open dialogue is to not judge, even if their behaviour or life online isn’t what you wanted or expected. This ensures that your child feels they can come to you if ever they make a mistake or experience a problem online. 

Knowing where you can learn more about their favourite apps and games.

Websites like Common Sense Media or The Family Gaming Database can be invaluable sources of information. When your child starts talking about a new game or app, why not do some research into the reporting and blocking options available? Then you can help your child if they come to you with an issue.

Getting support if things go wrong.

There are lots of organisations who are there to support you and your family if something has gone wrong. The Report Harmful Content website can help you with issues such as cyberbullying, impersonation and threats. You can report worrying behaviour towards children to CEOP. Find out more on Childnet’s Get Help page.

Reassuring your child that whatever happens online, you are there to support them.

Let your child know that the best way to address any problem they have online, is to tell a trusted adult immediately. For example, this might include someone sending them a friend request; an online message; telling them to visit a specific website, or app; or asking them for their personal information. Reassure them that if anything happens online that they are unsure about, or makes them feel worried or upset, they can come to you for help.

For resources and activities to do you with your family please click here

For a film to help you start a conversation with your child please click here.

Kendrick students sign up to the Kendrick School Acceptable Internet Policy for Students when they join the school. For a reminder of this policy please click this link..

The internet can be a great place to learn new things, keep in touch with friends and to have fun. However, it can also impact negatively on our mental health and wellbeing. The UK Safer Internet Centre has some tips to help you stay safe and positive online, as well as how you can #PlayYourPart in creating a better internet by using:

Using your actions and words with care - what you do, say and share online can have a big impact on the way other people feel, as well as how others perceive you. When emotions are high, take a moment to reflect and continue when you’re feeling calmer.

Building healthy relationships - listen to and support your friends both online and offline by respecting their boundaries and treating them with kindness. Look out for signs of an unhealthy relationship – if someone is pressuring you, is dishonest, or makes you feel uncomfortable, know that you can always talk to an adult or friend you trust

Being an upstander when you see bullying, harassment or hate - By using reporting tools or speaking out if you feel able to do so, you can offer support to the victims of these behaviours. This can help people to feel less alone and can encourage them to seek further assistance if they need it. Keeping a look out for suspicious information and people online.

Knowing it’s never too late to talk to an adult about something you’re experiencing online - Even if you’re worried it might be uncomfortable, or you think you’ve done something wrong, speaking to someone is the first step in getting support and moving forward

The UK Safer Internet Centre spoke with secondary schools around the UK to discuss what they thought was most important when it came to respect and relationships online when gaming for Safer Internet Day 2022

In school you should always follow the Acceptable Internet Usage Policy which you would have signed to confirm you agreed when you joined the school.