The Learning Curve

As we begin a new term, it’s a great time to revisit important topics that matter to our school community. One of these is online safety, which remains a top priority in our increasingly digital world. Whether children are using devices for learning or entertainment, it’s essential to teach them how to navigate the internet safely. This guide will introduce you to the ABC Online Safety Checklist, a valuable resource designed to help parents manage their child’s online experience effectively.

Why Online Safety Matters

The internet offers endless learning opportunities, but it also comes with risks. Exposure to inappropriate content, cyberbullying, and privacy concerns are just a few of the challenges children can encounter online. As parents, understanding these risks and taking proactive steps to mitigate them is crucial, especially at the start of a new school term when routines and habits are being re-established.

The ABC Online Safety Checklist

The ABC Online Safety Checklist by Internet Matters provides practical steps to ensure your child stays safe online. This checklist is particularly useful for parents of primary-aged children, as it breaks down online safety into three simple categories: Agree, Balance, and Control.

 

• Agree: Establish rules for online use, including what websites are appropriate, how much time can be spent online, and who your child can interact with. Setting clear boundaries helps children understand expectations and stay within safe limits.

• Balance: Encourage a healthy balance between screen time and other activities. While technology is a fantastic tool for learning and communication, it's important that children also engage in offline play, family time, and physical activity.

• Control: Use parental controls and privacy settings on devices and platforms. This allows you to manage what your child can access and helps to protect their personal information from being shared inappropriately.

 

Tips for Discussing Online Safety with Your Child
1- Open Communication: Regularly talk with your child about their online activities. Encourage them to share their favorite websites, games, and interactions.
2- Stay Informed: Familiarise yourself with the apps, games, and websites your child uses. Understanding these platforms allows you to better guide and protect your child.
3- Lead by Example: Model positive online behaviour. Show your child how to use the internet responsibly by practicing safe browsing, respectful communication, and careful sharing of personal information.

 

Empowering children with the knowledge and tools to stay safe online is an essential part of modern parenting. The ABC Online Safety Checklist is a great starting point for creating a secure digital environment for your child. By following these simple steps, you can help ensure that your child’s online experiences are positive, educational, and safe.

Explore the checklist here and take the next step in keeping your child safe online. Together, we can create a safer digital world for all our students.
 

Jenna Witcome
Primary Teacher