From learning in class to playing games at home, children are doing more on the internet than ever before - and it's a wonderful place.
However, just as in 'real life', it's important to make sure your child is staying safe online.
We know how demanding it can be to find the time when you're a busy parent and also just how daunting it can be to try and work out if the information you've found online is up-to-date. That's why we were so pleased when Internet Matters launched earlier this year.
InternetMatters.org is a portal dedicated to making sure all parents are only a click away from advice, tips and support about online safety for children. The information is divided into age-appropriate sections to help you talk to your child about the issues and technologies they'll come across as they grow up online. From setting your parental controls to teaching your child how to be a good friend online, you'll find a wealth of information so that you can spend less time researching and more time having fun with your family.
Internet Matters helps you to support your children:
- Learn about it – do your own research
2.Talk about it – discuss it with your child and or other parents
3.Deal with it – report it, change your settings etc.
The website can help you do all these things.
If you’re worried about anything you or your child comes across online, you should report it immediately to the relevant organisation and to the site where you or your child saw it.
Every half term we will be signposting you to where you can learn about different areas of the internet that your children know about or access. The more you know, the better you can support your child.
For example: What do you know about Cyberbullying?
Cyberbullying is when someone bullies others over the internet or on a mobile phone by sending abusive emails or texts directly or by posting nasty comments or humiliating images for others to see. Like any form of bullying, cyberbullying can be horrible for the children involved and hard for them to talk about.
29% of parents have concerns about Cyberbullying, but the website can give you clear advice on what to do and who to approach.
Other websites that can help include: