Here are some Dos about keeping your pupil safe online:

• Supervise any internet usage. This is vital to ensure the safety for your child. It is easy to slip into routines where pupils have unsupervised access in bedrooms or other rooms of the house.
• Being in the same room as a child using a device to access the internet allows you to respond immediately to any images/content that may be accessed accidentally.
• Be aware that a webcam, even if a laptop looks like it’s switched off, can be accessed by a hacker who then has access to whatever the camera is pointing at.
• If something worrying happens (e.g. a pupil receives a malicious message), take a screenshot, rather than delete it. This keeps a record so it can be followed up.
• Speak to your pupil (even if it is Fortnite chatter) as keeping a watching brief of interactions is important.
• Be aware the bullying takes many forms but is always persistent. Click here to familiarise yourself with some of them.
• Be aware of changes of mood/attitude towards being online in certain chat rooms. A change in behaviour can sometimes flag up issues.
• Ask questions about where, who and how they know people they chat to.
• Do ask for support. Sharing concerns with the school may help us join the dots or put your mind at ease.
• Remember, falling outs happen. Keep an eye on the situation to see how it progresses.