Guidance for Parents and Carers

Many social networking sites offer incredible communication and social connections. However, nearly all social media services require users to be at least 13 years of age to access and use their services. This includes Facebook, Snapchat, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok. Whilst there is no age restriction for watching videos on YouTube, users need to be 13 or older to have their own YouTube account (enabling them to subscribe to other channels, such as videos, post comments, share their own content and flag inappropriate content).

If, as a parent/carer, you do allow your child to access social media sites, we would ask you to be vigilant and monitor what children are posting online. Just like their social interactions in person, online interactions require supervision and support. Some strategies that are known to be successful include:

• Monitoring your child's phone for the apps that are downloaded.
• Enacting parental controls on phones and games consoles.
• Checking their profile is set to private and only friends can see information that is posted.
• Reviewing the messages they send on platforms and apps - making this part of a daily or weekly routine.
• Setting expectations about what space (preferably communal) and times they have access to devices.
• Encouraging them to share or discuss with you what they are doing..

School Support

We take online safety very seriously and discuss this with children throughout the year in computing, PSHE lessons and in 1:1 conversations and teaching opportunities as they arise. There are also some excellent websites below that we would encourage you to look at.

• Critical Thinking Guide - Supporting children to be safe and savvy online.pdf

Social Networks for Children Under 13

You are probably aware that there is very little choice of social networking sites for younger children, but there are a few apps out there! Internet Matters have put together a list of child-friendly social media apps designed to help children learn how to interact with each other and share safely online.  Please click on the link below to access their web page.

• Internet Matters

Useful Website Links:

• CEOP Helping you to better protect your children online

• Fake News Guide Support to help children spot the difference between fact and fiction online

• Grandparents Guide to Online Safety A recent study found that 4 in 10 grandparents help out with childcare in what has been dubbed ‘granannying’. To help grandparents get to grips with life online, Internet Matters has created a new grandparents guide to online safety with practical advice to keep kids safe.

• Internet.Matters.org Helping parents keep their children safe online

• Is my child ready for social media? If you are thinking about social media for your child, what should you consider and how can you help and support them?

• NSPCC - Let's talk PANTS Talking to your child about staying safe from sexual abuse is easy with our PANTS rules

• NSPCC On-Line Safety Advice We all have a part to play in keeping children safe online. Find out how with our online safety guides.

• Online Money Management Guide As more children and young people start to spend money online through gaming and social media platforms, this guide has been created to help parents and carers equip them with the skills they need to do this smartly and safely.

• Sextortion - Guidance from Internet Matters Learn about the issue of sextortion and how it might impact your child or teen. Then, get advice on keeping them safe.

• Social Media Concerns Find expert advice to make the most of the screen time and help children share safely.

• Talking to your child about online sexual harassment: A guide for parents Produced by the Children's Commissioner

• UK Safer Internet Centre Tips, advice, guides and resources to help keep your child safe online