Pupils have been learning how to keep themselves safe online.

For Safer Internet Day 2019, Tuesday 5 February, which promotes the safe, responsible and positive use of digital technology, Police Community Safety Officer (PCSO) Cato visited the school to pass on tips to pupils on how they can safeguard themselves online. She also ran workshops for parents about how they can support their children online, to complement the advice already given to pupils. Pupils in Years 5 and 6 also attended an extra workshop about online cyber-bullying.

Teachers Ben Taylor and Jonathan Harris organised a special assembly, led by the school’s digital leaders, to give pupils tips about how to stay safe online.

Principal Helen Ray said:

“As a school we support Safer Internet Day and use it as an opportunity to assist our pupils and their parents and carers to understand and minimise any risks in order to safeguard the children.

“I cannot stress enough how important it is to talk to your children about what they are up to online. Parents need to be fully aware of what their child and friends are doing on social media, video streaming or online gaming. Check regularly what they are doing, who they are speaking to and speak to them regularly about the dangers.”

The Safer Internet Day tips for 7-11 year olds to stay safe online are:

•          Choose to be aware – Make sure you know the rules about how to behave and stay safe on the sites, games and apps you like to use. Look out for buttons that let you block, mute and report other users who aren’t behaving and always ask for help if there is something you are not sure about.

•          Choose to make sensible choices online – Always keep your personal information safe and any personal information belonging to your friends and family.  Check with an adult before signing up to a new game or online service and before downloading a new app or game.

•          Choose to ask if it’s okay – Always think about how your online actions might make others feel. Be a respectful friend online and remember to ask for permission before sharing something about someone else. This could include a picture, video or piece of their personal information like where they live or their full name. Take a look at the Safer Internet Day film to see what other young people think about asking for consent online.

•          Choose to be a role model – Always be kind to others online and support your friends if they are having a difficult time. You can help your friends by showing them how to block and report in games and apps or by going to talk to a trusted adult with them.

•          Choose to ask for help – If you are ever unsure about something you see online, or anything makes you feel worried, upset or confused then ask a trusted adult for some help and advice.

For further information on Safer Internet Day 2019 visit www.saferinternet.org.uk/safer-internet-day/2019

PCSO Cato, of West Yorkshire Police, has been giving pupils at High Crags Primary Leadership Academy advice on how to stay safe online.