It may feel like it's too early to have conversations about keeping safe online and to use social media in a healthy way, however, we know that with the sheer number of sites young children are using - YouTube, Snapchat, Tik Tok as well as Roblox games and many more… the number of social websites in today’s world can feel endless. So, perhaps it’s not too surprising that 48% of children have used to social media by age seven.

We know that children at Highfield are curious about the digital world they are surrounded by and many know how to use phones and tablets, so it is never too young to start thinking about online safety. That’s why we want to help you to start important conversations with your children early on about how to build a healthy relationship with social media.

Internet Matters recognise that children are accessing digital media before the age of 5, so have produced a really good series of videos to support parents with young children.

Early years online safety video guides | Internet Matters

I have attached a link to the story #Goldilocks below:

We have physical copies of the book 'Chicken Clicking'; that looks at how online friendships may not be all they initially seem. If you would like to borrow one to read at home, please ask your child's class teacher.

Please click the link below to see some amazing resources for children's wellbeing from internet matters: https://www.internetmatters.org/resources/wellbeing-apps-guide-for-kids/#wellbeing-apps-stay-active

Please click this link to visit a fun and interactive website for 4-7 year olds, based on the Jessie & Friends animated series: https://www.ceopeducation.co.uk/parents/articles/4-7s-website/

The ABC Online safety Checklist.

Internet Matters have done it again, this time with a really simple guide for parents using Activate, Balance and Check.

 

The ABC's are broken down by age to make this as simple as possible for parents: all ages, under 5's, 6-10, 11-13 and 14+. You can download the guide HERE.

Online Safety Lead - Ruth Coleman.