From gaming and chat, to streaming and video, young people are shaping the interactive entertainment spaces they are a part of. Safer Internet Day 2022 celebrates young people’s role in creating a safer internet, whether that is whilst gaming and creating content, or interacting with their friends and peers. At Mount Wise we celebrated Safer Internet Day across EYFS, KS1 and KS2 by discussing ways we can have fun online, safely. 
We talked to each other about ‘respect’ and what this looks like when communicating with others through online devices. 
We know that sadly not everyone online is respectful all the time. If someone is being disrespectful online, we discussed what we can do… 
We now understand that the most important thing to do is to talk to an adult that they trust for help. This could be an adult at home or in school at Mount Wise. 
Top Tips for ensuring your child stays safe online:These top tips have been written for you (parents and carers) to share, and talk about, with your children. It’s never too early to talk about life online.
#PlayYourPart by… Enjoying all the amazing things there are to do online! 
Top Tips for use with 3-7 year olds:Talk with your child about the games they enjoy playing and the videos they love to watch. Doing these things together is a great way to explore how amazing the internet can be. Always being kind and respectful to others online.Explain to your child that being kind and respectful helps make the internet fun and safe for everyone. Yes, even their little brother if he’s beating them on their favourite game! This is something you can show them in your own words and actions online too. Making safe choices.Your child will have to make lots of choices when they’re using technology and the internet, so talk regularly about what they can do to keep themselves safe. This might be keeping personal information like their name or school private and never agreeing to meet up with someone they only know online. The earlier you start these conversations the better equipped your child will be as they grow older. Remembering that it’s okay to say no to people online.Online friendships can be difficult to manage, but a simple step to help keep your child safe is making sure they know that they are in control. Discuss how they might respond if someone says or does something that makes them feel uncomfortable. Remind them that they never have to do something just because an online friend has told them to and that they can come to you for help and advice. Always telling an adult if anyone or anything online makes you worried, upset, or uncomfortable. (In EYFS and KS1 we talked to the children about a ‘gut feeling’ that told us something didn’t feel ok).The most important thing you can do to support your child online is let them know you’re there to support them. Talk regularly about all the points above, and more! Make sure they know that if anything online makes them worried, upset, or uncomfortable, then they can come to you for help – and a hug! Top Tips for use with 7-11 year olds:The internet can be a great place to learn new things, keep in touch with friends, and to have fun. We have some tips to help you to stay safe and positive online, as well as how you can #PlayYourPart in creating a better internet by… Being a kind and respectful friend online.Think about how your actions and words online can make others laugh and smile, instead of feeling hurt or angry. Staying alert to possible dangers.When posting, gaming, or talking to others, keep your personal information safe and do not click on unexpected links. Most importantly, always tell an adult if an online friend asks to meet up. Respecting other people’s boundaries.No means no – do not push other people to do something that they’re not comfortable with. If someone is pressuring you online, remember that you can always say no and tell an adult you trust. Supporting others to use safety tools.Lots of games and apps have handy tools like the block or report button that can help you keep yourself and your friends safe. Chat with your friends to make sure everyone knows where these are and how to use them on the games you play together. Speaking up!There are lots of adults in your life who want to support you in having a safe and enjoyable time when you’re online. Always speak to one of them if anyone or anything online makes you or a friend worried, upset, or uncomfortable. What our KS1 and KS2 children said about how they used online platforms: 
Most popular Apps/games being used by our pupils:  Builder Buddies Minecraft Roblox  Tiktok Nintendo Switch Fornite  Snapchat Like a Dino Cooking Mama Age Restrictions:Some of these games come with age restrictions. Age restrictions act as a guideline for who should use a game, based on the content included. The age categories are ‘3’, ‘7’, ’12’, ’16’ and ’18’. The number means that the content is suitable for that age and above. There is also a ‘Parental Guidance Recommended’ category for some apps. The age restriction doesn’t tell you anything about how difficult the game is. A game rated 3 might be too difficult for a three-year-old, but the content would be appropriate. Did you know…?Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram and Tiktok have age restrictions of 13. What’s the problem? - There’s a ‘high’ risk of seeing sexual content, and of bullying.
- Your child’s location could be shared automatically with their contacts, which could put them in danger if they have strangers as ‘friends’ on the app.
- There’s a risk of children being ‘groomed’ by strangers into sharing pictures and information about themselves. Gangs also use apps to groom and recruit children.
For further information on the dangers of your child using apps such as snapchat see the below link: https://parenthub.thekeysupport.com/parent-online-safety-zone/child-safety-snapchat-parent-factsheet.html How to report inappropriate content:
Staying safe and thriving online: | 
Made In Mount Wise | E-Safety Newsletter 
