Online Safety

What are the issues?

The internet – on the whole is an inspiring and positive place.

The internet is an amazing resource which enables children and young people to connect, communicate and be creative in a number of different ways, on a range of devices.

However, the internet is always changing, and being able to keep up to date with your children’s use of technology can be a challenge.

You may sometimes feel that your children have better technical skills than you do, however children and young people still need advice and protection when it comes to managing their lives online.

Issues that your child may encounter on the internet will vary depending on their age and online activities.

Advice on social media & staying safe

Sextortion

Financially motivated sexual extortion is a type of online blackmail, often referred to as ‘sextortion’. This type of crime involves an adult offender threatening to release nude or semi-nude images and/or videos of an individual, unless they pay money, meet another financial demand (for example, purchasing a pre-paid gift card). Victims of any age and gender can be targeted.

Remember: If you have sent a nude or semi-nude image or video of yourself and are concerned that this has been or may be shared online, you can take these 3 steps to try and get it removed:

  1. Use Report Remove, a tool from Childline and the Internet Watch Foundation. Your child can use this to remove images that have been shared or might be shared.
  2. Use Take It Down, a tool from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Your child can use this to remove or stop the online sharing of images or videos.
  3. Report directly to the platform or app that the incident has occurred on. For advice on how to report to major social media platforms, visit Internet Matters.

Parental Controls

Smartphones and other devices

Children are using devices at a younger age so it’s important to consider setting controls on their tech, or on any devices that you are letting them borrow from you. We’ve pulled together a number of guides to give you simple steps to set controls on a range of devices.

E-Safety Tips for Parents

InternetMatters.org is a not-for-profit organisation that has a simple purpose – to help keep children safe in the digital world.

KC Parental Internet Settings

KCOM Parental controls lets you choose how much of the internet you would like you and your family to see. It’s easy to set up and will help you make sure that your family is safe using the internet in your home.

Choose an age profile between 1 – 6, 7 – 11, 12 – 15, 16 – 18 to control the amount of the internet you see. You can even personalise your profile to suit your family.

Switch them on now by clicking here. It’s simple, safe and free for all KCOM broadband customers.

Organisations and websites offering further information and support for online safety:

Play Like Share –

 

Play Like Share follows the adventures of Sam, Ellie and Alfie as they form a band and enter their school’s Battle of the Bands contest, taking on the mean but ‘cool’ Popcorn Wizards as they go. The three friends learn that while the internet can help, they need to use it wisely and safely.

The aim of the films is to help 8-10 year olds learn how to stay safe online. In particular, the films teach them to spot the early signs of manipulative, pressurising and threatening behaviour by people they might meet online, and develops their confidence to respond safely and get help.

Be Share Aware –

Keep your child safe online

We tell our children it’s good to share – but online it’s different. In fact sometimes sharing online can be dangerous. Being Share Aware will help keep your child safe online.

Watch and share a short film and take a look at some straightforward advice that will untangle the web, and give parents confidence in talking to their children about how to stay safe online.

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Issues

Advice

“Since starting Swinemoor my son has come on in leaps and bounds and in just a short time. I am looking forward to the further progress.”
What We Like - Parent feedback
“Keep encouraging sport such as football and netball..”
What We Like - Parent feedback
“I love the fact that the children and staff love being there and are so proud of their school.”
What We Like - Parent feedback
“Teaching staff in Y 5/6 who really challenge the children and move them forward.”
What We Like - Parent feedback
“The respect both pupils and staff have for one another shows all around the school. It’s a very happy place to be.”
What We Like - Parent feedback
“The school is very clean and staff well dressed. Its nice when visiting to see all the work on display and to hear the excellent comments from the kids about their day.”
What We Like - Parent feedback
“The fact they have a very modern approach to their teaching and the headmaster is very much involved and isn’t scared to get his hands dirty and interacts very well with all the staff and children.”
What We Like - Parent feedback
“I like everything about the school. My child has made excellent progress.”
What We Like - Parent feedback
” It’s a really good school with high standards and high achievers.”
What We Like - Parent feedback
“Very happy with everything the school does. Loved the Christmas plays – both of them.”
What We Like - Parent feedback
“Progress of the children and if and when necessary they are given extra help.”
What We Like - Parent feedback
“Always giving our children a challenge. Always pushing them harder, not taking satisfactory, but aiming high!.”
What We Like - Parent feedback
“We like the fact that the children’s work/plays are able to be seen on the website and I think the teacher’s end of term videos are a great addition.”
What We Like - Parent feedback
“The way that my child has improved 100% from last school.”
What We Like - Parent feedback
“The enthusiasm of the staff and the fact my child has been encouraged to learn whilst being allowed to progress at his own speed.”
What We Like - Parent feedback
“Competitions that occur each half term.”
What We Like - Parent feedback
“All of the shows/ performances are so professional and we feel welcomed coming into school. I think the school instills confidence and high self esteem in pupils.”
What We Like - Parent feedback
“We really enjoy all the school performances that parents are invited to.”
What We Like - Parent feedback
“How the children progress and where necessary they are given help to achieve that progress.”
What We Like - Parent feedback
“That each child’s needs are met, a great understanding (SEN)”
What We Like - Parent feedback
“That the children are very proud of their work and teachers make sure they are rewarded.”
What We Like - Parent feedback
” It’s a really good school with high achievers and high standards from the pupils. Very helpful if I’ve had a problem.”
What We Like - Parent feedback
“Strong headteacher. Caring and intelligent teachers. Good curriculum. Good discipline.”
What We Like - Parent feedback
“I am impressed with the teaching at this school and pushing the kids into doing work they are capable of.”
What We Like - Parent feedback
“My daughter likes Swinemoor because she says ‘everyone is friendly’. I like it because all children are included and have the confidence to compete and challenge anyone.”
What We Like - Parent feedback
“My daughter is making fantastic progress. The two performances I have seen have been excellent (Harvest and Christmas).”
What We Like - Parent feedback
“Staff are welcoming and willing to help/listen. Child always seems happy.”
What We Like - Parent feedback