FREE Chantry Academy iPhone and Android App

Chantry Academy

Chantry
Academy

Online Safety

There are many other excellent ways of keeping safe on various electronic platforms. You will find parental controls available on the following;

  • Xbox 360
  • Playstation 4
  • Mobile Phones
  • Blackberry
  • You tube –Safety mode
  • Windows
  • Google SafeSearch
  • Facebook privacy settings

There are also many new apps coming onto the market which enable you to have more control over how our young people use their devices. Take the time to look at the Vodafone Guardian App as one example.

However, as well as ensuring the correct parental controls, it is essential that we educate our young people about using the internet and electronic media safely. At Chantry Academy we use our PSHE sessions, tutor time, assemblies and Student Parliament and Year Councils to remind students of these issues and to revisit how to keep ourselves safe. We also have a large number of highly trained staff who can help students check their digital footprint and understand how to use new and emerging technologies in the safest way possible. The following checklist might help you to continue talking to your child about the way they are using technology;

  • Don’t think it’s too late to reinforce boundaries or teach your child anything about technology. They might think they have the know-how but they still need your wisdom and guidance.
  • Talk to them about how they might be exploring issues related to their health, wellbeing and body image online – they might come across inaccurate or dangerous information on the web at a vulnerable time – think about the use of pro-anorexia, pro-bulimia or pro-self-harm sites as a way young people might be influenced.
  • Discuss how they behave towards others and what they post online and don’t shy away from difficult conversations about things like pornography, bullying and other risky behaviours such as sexting.
  • Give your son or daughter control of their own budget for things like apps and music but make sure you have agreed boundaries so that they manage their money responsibly.
  • Discuss things like downloading and plagiarism so that they understand what is legal and what’s not.
  • Adjust the settings on parental controls in line with your son and daughter’s age and maturity – if they ask you to turn them off completely, think carefully before you do and agree in advance what is acceptable online behaviour.

 If you have any more queries there are some excellent websites offering advice and guidance;

Please feel free to contact the Academy if you wish to discuss any issues around safeguarding and internet safety.

Parents guide how to navigate social media safely with your kids