Halton Holegate C of E Primary School
KS2 Internet Safety Day
Internet Safety
We have had our E Safety workshops to remind us all about how we can stay safe online.
Our E-Safety Officer in school is Mr A Leeman.
We all know what bullying is and that it is wrong. I’m sure everyone knows what to do and who to tell if they are being bullied in school or by a child in their street but would you know what to do if you were being cyber bullied?
What is cyber bullying?
There are lots of different ways that someone can experience bullying through the internet or mobile phones. Some of them are really subtle so it might be difficult to realise what is happening.
Text messages
Sending abusive, nasty or threatening text messages to someone is a type of bullying. This could include sharing those texts with other people who might join in the bullying.
Sending abusive emails is a type of bullying. Sometimes those emails might be shared with other people who could join in the bullying. Sending computer viruses or hurtful videos and pictures by email is also online bullying.
Instant messaging (IM) and chat rooms
Sometimes people might get nasty messages when they are using instant messaging or chat rooms. Sending those types of messages using someone else's account without their permission is also online bullying.
Social networking sites
Social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter have age restrictions. A child must be 13 years of age to have an account. A child can be put at risk if they open an adult account pretending to be older than they are.
Online gaming
Being abusive towards someone or harassing them on an online multi-player gaming site is also a kind of online bullying.
Abusing personal information
Sometimes people involved in bullying might post someone else's photos or personal information without that person's permission. This could include pretending to be someone else and writing fake comments or blogs.
Ways to stay safe and still enjoy the internet:
Don’t share passwords with anyone, it sounds a bit unkind but it’s the only way to control your online activities. They’re password protected for a reason!
Only give your mobile number to your real friends.
If you are on Facebook or a similar site, only accept people who you know are your real friends. You wouldn’t invite a stranger into your house so don’t let them into your computer either! It’s tempting to want to have lots of “friends” but you need to be sensible! As Facebook is supposed to be for 13 year olds and older, your parents really should know if you have an account so they can help you stay safe.
Parents and teachers are the goodies, they want what’s best for you and to keep you safe.
Parents aren’t being nosey when they want to know what you’re doing online, it’s because they care.
If you are on a website that has a report abuse button use it if you are at all concerned by the contents.
If you want to know more, google cyber bullying.
Only share information with people you know. Never ever give out details like your full name, address or phone number in a chat room or to someone you don't know.
Use the computer in a room where there are trusted adults. If the bullies know that you’re not on your own, they are more likely to leave you alone
Tell someone straight away if anything worries or scares you.
Don’t use sites which are for older children or adults.
Most importantly don’t worry! There’s lots of fun to be had with online gaming, and mobile phones are a good way to keep in touch and so long as you’re careful there is no reason that you will ever be cyber bullied. However, by knowing what to do if you are worried you are being bullied, we can catch the bullies quicker and stop it happening to someone else.
Be aware but don’t be scared!