The number one thing to remember if anything at all is worrying you online or on your phone, is to tell a trusted adult like a parent or teacher - don't be afraid or embarrassed, just tell someone straight away.
Here are a few more of the most important things to keep in mind when you use the internet and your mobile phone.
Staying safe online
When you use the internet, both at home and at school, it is very important that you know how to stay safe online and how to overcome any dangers you may find. You will learn about this in computing lessons and from family members, however, as you grow up it will be your job to manage the risks carefully.
Here are some tips to stay safe online:
- Don’t post any personal information online – like your address, email address or mobile number
- Think carefully before posting pictures or videos of yourself. Once you’ve put a picture of yourself online people can see it and download it, it’s not just yours anymore
- Keep your privacy settings as high as possible
- Never give out your passwords
- Don’t befriend people you don’t know
- Don’t meet up with people you’ve met online. Speak to a trusted adult about people suggesting you do
- Remember that not everyone online is who they say they are
- Think carefully about what you say before you post something online
- Respect other people’s views, even if you don’t agree with someone else’s views doesn’t mean you need to be rude
- If you see something online that makes you feel uncomfortable, unsafe or worried: leave the website, and tell a trusted adult immediately
Staying safe on your mobile
- Don’t reply to any nasty messages you receive - tell an adult about them instead
- Don’t reply to a text from someone you don’t know
- Keep the messages you have been sent so you can show them to a trusted adult and make a note of the time and date of the messages or calls you receive
- Don’t answer calls from withheld numbers or numbers you don’t recognise, let it go to voicemail
- Don’t give your mobile number to someone you don’t know
- Don’t send pictures to someone you don’t know and be very careful about sending pictures to anyone on your phone
What to do if you are being bullied online
When we are in school, it is very important that we feel safe and comfortable. If anybody behaves in an unfriendly way, we must know who to speak to about it so that the situation can be resolved. It is important to everyone at Sacriston Academy that we are treated equally and fairly.
If you are being cyber-bullied you should:
- Tell an adult you trust if you are being cyber-bullied
- Don’t respond or retaliate to bullying messages – it could make things worse
- Block users who send you nasty messages
- Save abusive emails or messages (or texts) you receive and show an adult
- Don’t pass on any cyber-bullying videos or messages – this is cyber-bullying
- You can talk to someone at ChildLine or get online safety advice at www.childline.org.uk/talk/Pages/Talk.aspx
Rights Respecting
As you will already know, here at Sacriston Academy we are a Rights Respecting school. All children have rights, including the right to an opinion, a right to choose your friends, the right to be protected from being hurt and the right to have the best healthcare possible. Human rights are very important so it is good to know what your rights are. If you are worried that someone is not respecting your rights then let your class teacher know.
Reporting Issues
When using the internet, it is very important that you know how to report any issues you have. If anything does concern you, you can always tell a responsible and trusted adult who will listen, respond and help. Furthermore, remember to look for the 'report abuse' logo which can use used when you feel like someone is trying to contact you unacceptably online.
Digital Leaders
As part of our pupil voice and child leadership, here at Sacriston Academy, we have selected a number of children to run our digital leaders group. Our digital leaders help provide support to adults and peers in school. As a pupil at Sacriston Academy, if you ever have an e-safety concern, remember that as well as the trusted adults in your school, the digital leaders are also there to listen as well as being trained to support.
National Online Safety
National Online Safety (NOS) have published lots of helpful information and tips for staying safe online. NOS also have handy guides on popular apps such as TikTok, Disney + and Netflix as well as advice and guidance for remote learning. https://nationalonlinesafety.com/training