Safeguarding in schools is nothing new, but the risks are changing. Young people are rarely seen without a smartphone or tablet in their hand – sharing images, watching videos, posting on social networking sites, or exploring the internet. As young people spend more time online and become more confident online users, the potential threats, from grooming and sexting to online bullying and radicalisation, inevitability increase. To help you as parents/carers we have collated various information and resources that we feel are of great value.There are many websites available which offer advice to parents / carers which will aid them to keep their children safe online, some useful links are listed below:
Thinkuknow is
an education programme from the National Crime Agency’s CEOP Command. Since
2006, Thinkuknow has been keeping children and young people safe by providing
education about sexual abuse and sexual exploitation. Thinkuknow is unique. It
is underpinned by the latest intelligence about child sex offending from CEOP
Command. Thinkuknow 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.
NSPCC Everything we do protects children today,
prevents abuse tomorrow and works to transform society to make child abuse a
thing of the past. And it’s all only possible because of people like you. Last
year we were able to reach more children than ever before to keep them safer,
and this is because of you and others who have joined our fight for every
childhood. Together we help children who’ve been abused to rebuild their lives.
Together we protect children at risk. And, together, we find the best ways of
preventing child abuse from ever happening.
The NCA’s CEOP Command is here to help children and young
people. We are here to help if you are a young person and you or your friend
(up to age 18) has been forced or tricked into taking part in sexual activity
with anyone online, or in the real world. We also have advice and links to support
for other online problems young people might face, such as cyberbullying and
hacking. Visit our Safety Centre for advice and to report directly to CEOP, by
clicking on the Click CEOP button.
Childnet’s mission
is to work in partnership with others around the world to help make the
internet a great and safe place for children. We work directly with children
and young people from the ages of 3 to 18 on a weekly basis, as well as
parents, carers, teachers and professionals, finding out about their real
experiences online, and the positive things they are doing as well as sharing
safety advice.
The Internet Watch
Foundation is an organisation working with the internet industry,
police and Government. The IWF was established in 1996 by the internet industry
to provide the UK internet Hotline for the public and IT professionals to
report criminal online content in a secure and confidential way.
The Somerset
Safeguarding Children Board website contains a wealth of information
for anyone in Somerset who has responsibility for safeguarding children;
including parents, carers, teachers, doctors and volunteers. There are
dedicated sections for children and young people, workers and volunteers and
parents and carers that aim to supply information on key issues. The website
also has a library where you can download important documents and reports.
Child Safety Online: DFE Guidance on Child Safety
Online – A practical guide for parents and carers whose children are using
social media. Concerned about online grooming or sexual behaviour online?
Contact CEOP: www.ceop.police.uk. If you stumble across criminal sexual or
obscene content on the internet you should report it to the Internet Watch
Foundation: iwf.org.uk
Child Safety Online: A Practical Guide for Providers of Social
Media and interactive Services
Useful contact numbers:
If your issue is a matter of urgency and you are in danger, call 999 immediately and ask for the police.
Contact: 01823664201
Email: safeguarding@courtfields.bep.ac