Staying Safe Online

The online world is a wonderful place for young people to explore, with unprecedented opportunities for learning and creativity. 

As with the real world, however, online space needs to be explored with vigilance and a critical eye. At Bishop Ramsey School we aim to inform and educate all our students during their years with us, helping them use the internet and online media, safely and positively. Your child will leave school well-equipped to develop a positive digital footprint and stay safe online.

At Bishop Ramsey we incorporate e-safety into our curriculum, including training in lessons, Tutor time and school events. We fully recognise the importance of including parents and carers in this aspect of school life and warmly invite you to familiarise yourselves with the resources we use via our website. This page also aims to reassure you with information about who to contact should you have any concern.

Your child's safety is our highest priority. Please know that we will support you with any concerns you may have regarding safeguarding online and offline. We have a Designated Safeguarding team who can be contacted via our Safeguarding page. We will then contact you and arrange to swiftly address your concern.

Parent tips: how you can help your child stay safe

• Talk to your child about how they are using their electronic devices. Regular conversations will help your child feel able to come to you if they find themself in difficulty.
• Stay informed about the different social media sites and continue to take an active interest in how your child uses their device and phone.
• Many social media platforms have a minimum age requirement and are not considered appropriate for children under the age of 13. This age limit is a legal requirement and needs to be respected. It is worth noting that the popular social application, WhatsApp has an age restriction of 16.
• Use parental controls on your home internet to protect your child from unsuitable areas of the internet.
• Limit the amount of screen time allowed to your child, encouraging screen-free time at least one hour before bed.
• Be aware that pop-ups, games and commercials may have hidden costs and/or be inappropriate. These are blocked on your child's school device but they may be accessed via phones.

Useful Videos for Parents

You might find the following videos helpful. They have been produced for parents by Live My Digital. You may wish to discuss the content with your child after watching the films together.

Useful Websites

It is a good idea to keep up-to-date with the current issues around staying safe online. There are some excellent resources available which detail how young people are vulnerable and give advice on maintaining awareness and helping your child.

• www.parentInfo.org – latest news from ParentInfo relating to online safety
• www.childnet.com – a non-profit organisation working to help make the internet a great and safe place for children
• www.thinkuknow.co.uk - an education programme from the National Crime Agency’s CEOP Command.
• www.nspcc.org.uk – advice on preventing abuse and keeping children safe online.
• www.net-aware.org.uk - a guide to the social networks children use. Website created by NSPCC and O2 to help parents explore and understand online life as kids know it.