Online Safety for Parents & Pupils

The internet is a fantastic tool that can be used to stay connected with your friends and family, access entertainment, such as videos and online games, and for support with your learning and school work.

There are clearly many benefits, but it’s important to also be aware of the risks and to follow the tips listed below to help you stay safe.

The Welsh Government have provided some useful information on their HWB platform, some of which can be found on this page.

HWB: Top Tips To Keep Safe Online

  1. Use strong passwords, never share them, and consider setting up multi-factor authentication where possible.
  2. Remember not everyone online is who they say they are – don’t share any personal information, even if they seem trustworthy.
  3. Talk to your parents or carers about where you go and what you do online, as you would in real life.
  4. Keep your webcam covered when not in use.
  5. Think before you send any photos – what are they being used for? Could they be shared further without your consent? Remember once you’ve sent an image to someone else or shared it online, anyone can make a copy of it.
  6. Remember even if you make a mistake there are steps you can take to reduce the resulting impact, for example, requesting that social media platforms remove content.
  7. Regularly review your privacy settings on apps, phones, computers or tablets.
  8. Consider who can see content you are sharing online and to be mindful of your online reputation.
  9. Always ask friends and family for consent before sharing pictures that they are in.
  10. Always be kind online and don’t post anything that may upset or offend someone.
  11. Know how to block content and report users who are harassing people or behaving in a way that is inappropriate or offensive.
  12. Check different sources or use a fact checking website before believing information online or sharing it publicly. There is a lot of misinformation on the internet, make sure the information you access or share is reliable.
  13. Immediately leave any websites or apps where content makes you feel uncomfortable or distressed.
  14. Never click on links in emails or messages that then ask you to log in and share your details – it could be a scam, so it’s always best to go to the website or app directly.
  15. Tell a trusted adult if something is worrying you online or contact support services, such as Meic and Childline, to talk confidentially. Don’t be embarrassed to ask for help, there is support available for whatever you are worried about.

If you need help removing upsetting content, such as online abuse or threats, violent content or unwanted sexual advances visit the Report Harmful Content website.

To report any Online Safety (eSafety) concerns to the school, please email esafety@cathays.cardiff.sch.uk 

Children and young people are spending more time online, whether that is for entertainment, to stay in touch with friends and family or to support their home learning. There are clearly many benefits to staying connected, however, increased time spent online may also increase the risk of encountering online safety issues.

We recognise that as a parent or carer you may have concerns about this and this guidance is intended to support you to quickly navigate the online safety guidance and education resources available and access the information and advice you need. This includes practical tips on how to set up age-appropriate parental controls on devices and guidance on specific online issues. Resources are available to support the needs of all learners, including those with additional learning needs (ALN).

The Welsh Government have provided some useful information on their HWB platform, some of which can be found on this page.

Parental Controls For Home Devices

Every Internet Service Proivder (ISP) offers some form Parental Control for your connection. Often blocking of some of the most extreme sites can be done easily by logging into your ISP’s website and enabling the age restrictions or you can also call your internet provider and ask for 18+ material to be blocked.

Here is an article from SimplySwitch that explains what parental controls each of the main UK broadband providers offer: https://www.simplyswitch.com/broadband/guides/broadband-parental-controls/

Device-level Controls

Most modern smartphones, tablets and PCs offer some form of extra device-level parental control. Often these allow parents to monitor the child’s web and app activity and blocked specific websites. Although this does very based on manufacturer, so please see the links below:

Stay up to date by going to the Online Safety HWB section here:

https://hwb.gov.wales/zones/online-safety/key-information/parents-and-carers

Staying Safe on Social Media

Organisations That Offer Support

If your child wants to talk to a professional completely anonymously

Childline

Help for adults concerned about a child or a child who wants to talk to a professional completely anonymously:

NSPCC

If your child needs support and advice about any worries they may have:

Meic

For concerns about online sexual abuse:

CEOP

For help and support to remove harmful online content:

Report Harmful Content

For support with feelings of isolation and disconnection that can lead to suicide:

Samaritans Cymru

For help and advice about violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence:

Live Fear Free

Reporting Online Safety Concerns

If you would like to report any concerns to the school, please speak to your child’s Head of Year, form tutor or Miss N Jones (Assistant Headteacher – Child Protection Officer). You can send us your concern by emailing Schooladmin@cathays.cardiff.sch.uk

Student’s can use the internal mail system to report any concerns using esafety@cathays.cardiff.sch.uk

Useful links