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Online Safety

Children at Lowton West use the Internet and online resources on a regular basis as part of their learning. Technology enhances learning, and we want to ensure pupils stay safe online, whilst getting the most from it, by encouraging responsible online behaviour. 

In school, we use a filtering system to prevent children accessing inappropriate sites and monitor their online work through Impero Software. Children also participate in regular online safety activities throughout the year, to remind them of the importance of keeping themselves safe online.

At home, sometimes children can be given unsupervised access to the Internet via mobile devices such as mobile phones, iPads and other tablet devices. This, potentially, allows them to access all kinds of society (both good and bad) and bring them virtually into their homes.

Apart from the lessons in school, we have provided a wide range of parental guides and information to help parents keep their child safe at home. We will continue to update this page with further information throughout the year.

 

Online Safety during Home Learning

Please be extra vigilant when your child is using devices and online content at home and follow the guidance found in the ‘Online Safety Parent’s Guide to Remote Learning’ found in the Files to Download section below.  Here, you will also find other guidance on parental controls and social media safety.

 

Online Age Restrictions

It’s important to know the minimum age restrictions in place to have an account on popular social media platforms such as: Instagram, Facebook, Youtube, Snapchat.

WhatsApp Age Restriction: 16 years old

The minimum age of use for WhatsApp is 16. It had previously dropped to 13 years old but in April 2018 returned to 16 years, as a response to data-protection legislation.

Facebook Age Restriction: 13 years old

In the UK, Facebook requires everyone to be at least 13 before they can create an account. Creating an account with false information is a violation of their terms. This includes accounts registered on the behalf of someone under 13.

TikTok Age Restriction: 13 years old

TikTok is popular with primary school aged children but has an age limit of 13 years. New family safety modes let parents link their own TikTok accounts to their child's - and turn features on and off remotely. This includes a "restricted mode" that tries to filter out inappropriate content, and turning off messaging.

Snapchat Age Restriction: 13 years old

Snapchat is one of the most popular social networks in the world but still has an age limit of 13 years.

YouTube Age Restriction: 13 years old

Whilst there is no age restriction for watching videos on YouTube, users need to be 13 or older to have their own YouTube account (enabling them to subscribe to other channels, like videos, post comments, share their own content and flag inappropriate content).

 

Online Safety Advice

CEOP

The CEOP website has been developed to offer children, young people, parents/carers and professionals working with these groups with a simple and convenient mechanism for gaining access to trusted online safety advice, help and support.  For further information on the CEOP website, click on the link below. 

Visit the Safety Centre at the link below and follow the on-line instructions to report any inappropriate activity.

Net Aware

Net Aware brings together the NSPCC’s expertise in protecting children and O2’s tech know-how, to help parents keep children safe online. Their new website offers information and advice and helps parents and carers to stay up to date and keep your child safe in today's digital world. The guide, primarily aimed at parents of 8-12 year olds, explores the social networks, apps or games with an interactive element that children use most frequently.

 

https://img.cdn.schooljotter2.com/sampled/12555524/900/0/nocrop/

 

UK Safer Internet Centre

On this site you can find online safety tips, advice and resources to help children and young people stay safe online.

 

https://www.leighcentral.wigan.sch.uk/asset/13498748

 

Parent Info

Parent Info is a collaboration between NCA-CEOP and Parent Zone and their website for parents covers all of the issues amplified by the internet. 

 

https://www.leighcentral.wigan.sch.uk/asset/13139000

 

Thinkuknow

This is the education programme from the National Crime Agency’s CEOP command. Thinkuknow aims to empower children and young people aged 5-17 to identify the risks they may face online and know where they can go for help and support.

https://www.leighcentral.wigan.sch.uk/asset/13137517

 

Social Media Guides for parents and carers

Social Media Guides for parents and carers from the UK Safer Internet Centre: https://saferinternet.org.uk/guide-and-resource/social-media-checklists

 

WhatsApp Advice for parents and carers

WhatsApp advice for parents and carers from the UK Safer Internet Centre: https://saferinternet.org.uk/blog/helping-your-child-with-whatsapp

 

SnapChat Advice for parents and carers

SnapChat advice for parents and carers from the UK Safer Internet Centre: https://saferinternet.org.uk/guide-and-resource/6-smart-steps-to-snapchat-success

 

Files to Download

Student Login

STAFF LOGIN
SCHOOL BLOGS