E Safety
What parents need to know about group chats
Group chat and messaging apps, such as Snapchat (13+) and WhatsApp (16+) are widely popular with children and young people. Group chats offer greater control over who we communicate with, and more privacy while we’re doing it. However, the pressure of contributing to a conversation that lots of other people can see and comment on can make group chats an incredibly stressful situation for young users – and that’s far from the only potential risk. As parents and carers it is important to prepare our children for participating in online group chats safely and compassionately.
The guides below offer some really helpful advice and guidance. For further information please visit: www.nationalonlinesafety.com
Online Safety Guidance during school closure
Online resources for children
Childline helps anyone under 19 in the UK with any issue they’re going through. Children can talk with Childline about anything, whether big or small; their trained counsellors can help. See their website or call free on 0800 1111.
Updated in relation to COVID-19, this website provides support for young people to take control of their online life. Topics include help and advice, skills and inspiration on matters such as friendships and bullying, safety and self-esteem.
A free online study support resource designed to help with learning, revision and homework. Bitesize provides support for learners aged 5 to 16+ across a wide range of school subjects. It also supports children and young people’s wellbeing and career choices; since 20 April daily lessons have been published to help pupils across the UK with home schooling.
Online resources for parents and carers
Essex Safeguarding Children Board (ESCB)
The ESCB is a statutory multi agency organisation which brings together agencies who work to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people in Essex. It has produced guidance for parents and carers to help them understand online safety and exploitation generally.
Internet Matters – helping parents and carers keep their children safe online
A not-for-profit organisation that has a simple purpose – to empower parents and carers to keep children safe in the digital world. See their website for further information.
A charity fighting child poverty and neglect, and helping all children have a better chance in life. They have produced information about online safety.
The NSPCC (National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children)
The NSPCC has produced several online safety guides, from setting up parental controls to advice on sexting, online games and video apps.
A website offering expert safety advice in relation to a range of online harms, endorsed by the National Crime Agency’s CEOP command.
Independent reviews, age ratings, & other information about all types of media for children and their parents.
Virgin Media O2 - Online Safety Test
At Virgin Media O2, we want internet users of all ages to enjoy all the wonderful things the web has to offer, safely. That’s why our experts have created a children’s internet safety test to help build awareness for parents and children of all ages to ensure they are better protected online.
Parent Zone for families
A website with a range of digital age resources for families, including guides on digital platforms and trends.
The Children’s Commissioner has published a digital safety and wellbeing kit for parents, and a safety guide for children. The kit and guide have been designed to help ensure children are safe and their wellbeing is looked after while at home during the coronavirus outbreak – when their screen time maybe higher than usual.
The UK Council for Internet Safety (UKCIS)
The UK Council for Internet Safety (UKCIS) is a collaborative forum through which government, the tech community and the third sector work together to ensure the UK is the safest place in the world to be online.
Home Office advice on healthy relationships, including sexting and pornography.