Parents are asked to discuss the following internet safety advice with their children.

Internet Safety

This is some advice to children and parents on internet safety and cyber bullying. We ask you to discuss this with your child.

Safety tips for children on internet and mobile phone bullying – cyber bullying

• Always respect others – be careful what you say online and what images you send.
• Think before you send – whatever you send can be made public very quickly and could stay online forever.
• Treat your password like your toothbrush – keep it to yourself. Only give your mobile number or personal website address to trusted friends.
• Don’t retaliate or reply!
• Save the evidence – learn how to keep records of offending messages, pictures or online conversations.
• Make sure you tell –
• your parents, an adult you trust, or call a helpline like ChildLine on 0800 1111 in confidence;
• your school – your teacher or other teachers can help you or use the “Worry Box”.
• Finally, don’t just stand there – if you are aware of cyber bullying going on, support the victim and report the bullying. How would you feel if no one stood up for you?

Safety tips for parents and carers

• Be alert to your child seeming upset after using the internet or their mobile phone. This might involve subtle comments or changes in relationships with friends. They might be unwilling to talk or be secretive about their online activities and mobile phone use.
• Talk with your children and understand the ways in which they are using the internet and their mobile phone.
• See the seven key messages for children (above) to get you started.
• Use the tools on the service and turn on in-built internet safety features.
• Remind your child not to retaliate.
• Keep the evidence of offending e-mails, text messages or online conversations.
• Report it! Contact the school if it involves another pupil, so that we can take appropriate action.
• Contact the service provider. If the cyber bullying is serious and a potential criminal offence has been committed, you should consider contacting the police.

Finally, don’t just stand there – if you are aware of cyber bullying going on, support the victim and report the bullying. How would you feel if no one stood up for you?