The internet is now a part of everyday life and children are spending more and more time online, exploring cyberspace and connecting with others online. However the internet can also represent a risk to children that is sometimes misunderstood and often underestimated. E-Safety is a key element in the safeguarding strategy at Askern Moss Road Infant Academy and keeping children safe online is a priority for all staff and volunteers.

Just like the offline world, the online world is full of risk and although the majority of these will not turn into harm it is important that children understand the risks they are taking and make sensible choices. At Moss Road, children are taught the fundamentals of e-safety throughout the school so that they can recognise and avoid dangers and unsuitable content. We also explain how to behave appropriately online as well as the importance of managing their digital footprint. 

However we can only be successful in keeping children safe online if we engage with parents and carers to ensure a consistent approach on e-safety at home as well as at school.

Understanding the risks to children

Areas for online risks can be categorised into the 3 Cs -

1. Content

2. Contact

3. Conduct

and can be commercial, aggressive or sexual in nature as shown in the table below.

Children are keen to explore the online world but are often not mature enough to manage or understand the risks they come across.

Helping your child to manage these risks at home can be achieved by asking your child:

• Where they are going and what they see? - this will help you talk about content risk.
• What they do online? - this will help you understand any conduct risks and see whether they are chatting on anonymous sites or posting comments about themselves.
• Who they are talking to? - this will help cover the contact risks, particularly if their online friends are people they do not know offline.

It is essential to be realistic - banning the internet or technology will not work and it often makes a child less likely to report a problem. Education around the safe use is essential.