Actualités

On Thursday 27th March, we were fortunate to have the Hammersmith and Fulham Education Officer organise a session with parents on online safety. The insights shared were eye-opening and practical, reinforcing the importance of ensuring that children navigate the digital world safely.

One key takeaway was the concern around children accessing online content without parental awareness. Some older children engage in unmonitored online spaces, while younger pupils are exposed to the same content through peer sharing. This raises questions about how we, as a community, can work together to keep our children safe online.

Key Tips from the Session

1. Have Open Conversations

• Talk regularly with your child about their online activities.

• Ask what apps or games they enjoy and discuss the risks.

• Encourage them to come to you if something online makes them uncomfortable.

2. Set Clear Boundaries

• Establish rules about screen time and appropriate content.

• Use parental controls on devices and apps.

• Monitor social media and gaming interactions to ensure age-appropriate engagement.

3. Educate About Privacy and Digital Footprint

• Teach children never to share personal information online.

• Encourage strong passwords and never sharing login details.

4. Encourage Safe and Responsible Online Behaviour

• Remind children that anything shared online stays online.

• Discuss the impact of cyberbullying and why kindness matters.

• Help them understand how to report and block harmful content.

5. Stay Informed as Parents

• Check age ratings of apps, games, and social media platforms.

• Stay updated on new trends, platforms, and risks.

• Use resources such as Internet Matters, NSPCC Online Safety Hub, and ThinkUKnow.

Understanding Age Limits and Online Safety

Parents should be aware of age restrictions for online platforms and games to protect children from inappropriate content.

• Social Media Age Limits: Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok require users to be at least 13.

• WhatsApp Age Limit: Users must be at least 13 in the UK. WhatsApp group chats can expose children to unmonitored content.

• Gaming Age Ratings: PEGI (Pan European Game Information) ratings help parents assess suitability. PEGI 3 is suitable for all ages, while PEGI 18 may contain strong language or violence.

• Streaming Content: Platforms like YouTube and Netflix offer parental controls.

Online Gaming: Risks and Precautions

Online gaming is popular but carries risks such as exposure to inappropriate content, online strangers, and excessive screen time. Key safety measures include:

• Use parental controls to restrict purchases, screen time, and chat features.

• Encourage responsible gaming by setting time limits.

• Monitor online interactions to ensure children only communicate with known friends.

• Discuss in-game purchases to prevent unexpected spending.

• Check game ratings to ensure they are age-appropriate.

Helpful Resources for Parents

For more guidance, visit these trusted websites:

• Internet Matters (www.internetmatters.org) – Parental controls and online safety advice.

• NSPCC Online Safety Hub (www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety) – Expert guidance on online risks.

• ThinkUKnow (www.thinkuknow.co.uk) – Online safety resources.

• PEGI Ratings (www.pegi.info) – Age ratings for video games.

Next Steps for Our Community

Keeping our children safe online is a shared responsibility. While schools educate pupils about digital risks, parental involvement is key. To support this, we will share slides from the session in this week’s school newsletter with further guidance and resources. We encourage all parents to review these materials and implement strategies at home.

If you have any concerns or need further advice, please do not hesitate to reach out. By working together, we can ensure children enjoy the internet safely, making the most of its opportunities while avoiding potential pitfalls.

Best wishes,
Mrs Weber