Internet Safety Information                                  

DOWNLOAD NOW >>>  KES Parents' esafety evening PowerPoint presentation 7th July 2009

The internet has become integral to the lives of children of all ages. It opens up new opportunities and is now an essential part of their every day life whether it is being used for homework, to talk and share materials with their friends and family or for a multitude of other uses that are legitimate and beneficial in so many ways.

But where children go, child sex offenders will follow – whether in the real or virtual world – and this section of the website is to help you as a parent to understand more about what your child is doing online.

Much of the information provided here is based upon resources which are available via the Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) Centre (www.ceop.gov.uk) - the UK's national law enforcement agency that focuses on tackling the sexual abuse of children.

Our aim is to encourage children to understand the risks they may face online and what they can do to ensure their own safety. But this can only be done by understanding the Internet yourself. We hope that you find the information here worthwhile.

Guidelines for Internet use by children and young people
# Place computers in public places where everyone can see what is being viewed
# Take an interest in Internet use; talk to young people about what they've seen.
# Monitor time spent online to ensure it does not become excessive
# Educate young people to use the resource sensibly
# Help young people to become critical users; "...is this information true?"
# Warn young people about unsavoury sites and discuss the issues involved
# Contact the Internet Watch Foundation (www.iwf.org.uk) if anyone finds any material you believe to be illegal
# Access chat rooms by checking if it is moderated and by whom and finding out if the chat room has a clear terms and conditions policy? Does it have appropriate access control and password verification? Does it remind users of safety issues? Does the chat room give young people genuine opportunities to interact and shape the chat?

Emails/chatrooms
To keep children and young people safe online ensure they are aware of safety tips or rules like the following. These tips will also need to be communicated in a way that does not scare children, but encourages them to take responsibility.

# Never tell anyone you meet on the Internet your name, address, telephone numbers, or any other information, such as   information about your family, where you live or the school you go to.
# Do not send anyone your picture, credit card or bank details without checking with a responsible adult.
# Never give out your password to anyone, even your best friends.
# Do not stay in a chat room if anyone says anything that makes you feel uncomfortable or worried and tell a parent/carer if you see such material.
# Always tell an adult if you receive a message that is scary, threatening or rude, do not respond and log off. Report worries you have to report abuse.
# If you wish to meet someone you have met in cyberspace, ask a parent/carer's permission and then only when they can be present.
# Always be yourself and do not pretend to be anyone or anything you are not.
# Never open attachments to emails which come from people or sources you do not know. They may contain viruses and damage your computer.
# Learn your 'netiquette' widely accepted rules of behaviour include some of the following. Typing in CAPITAL LETTERS looks like you are shouting so use asterisks for emphasis.
# Be aware that people online may no be what they seem, adults can pretend to be children with similar interests to yourself.
# Be polite when entering a chat room, check out what people are talking about before participating. Be careful not to use bad language, providers will terminate your account!

Finally enjoy your time on the internet but do not forget about all the other things you can do:
- share time with your family
- read a good book
- play with your friends
- participate in sport
http://www.barnardos.org.uk/resources/resources_internet_safety.htm