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Internet Safety at Parents' Forum

Heston's Parents' Forum was launched with a presentation and discussion on Internet Safety

 Internet Safety presentation to parentsThe first in a series Parents’ and Carers’ Forum meetings covered the subject of Internet Safety. The level of attendance reflected the interest in this subject which is clearly a real concern for many parents/carers, as it is for the School.

 Phil Ward speaking to parentsPhil Ward, Headteacher, welcomed the parents/carers and explained the School’s new initiative in hosting these meetings every Half Term to engage with parents/carers on topics they are interested in or concerned about. He went on to introduce Sam Summerell, Heston’s Learning Mentor, who outlined the mysterious world of the Internet and Social Media highlighting some of the risks children face if  Sam Summerell presenting & Socila Media logosthey are not careful in the way they interact on the Internet. The meeting also provided the opportunity for parents to discuss their specific concerns as well as learning some startling facts and useful tips.

A video, produced by the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (CEOP) was also shown. Click the link below to view this video:

CEOP Internet Safety Video

Parents and Carers were also given a bookmark that flagged four key points and had a link to the Internet Safety page on the school’s website which contains more useful links.

The key points highlighted are:

Talk to your children - The key to keeping your child safe on line is to form a mutual trust with them and talk about the downside to the Internet and gaming openly

Check the Security settings on all of the gadgets you have at home - don’t forget your child’s mobile phone

Monitor the amount of time your child spends on line or gaming - Put some simple rules in place, no mobile phones at the dinner table or in the bedroom at bedtime and restrict gaming time

Ensure games and websites are age appropriate - Don’t give in to pressure to buy the latest games regardless of age restrictions. Do not let your child open a social media account without first researching it and checking the age limits

The next Parents’ and Carers’ Forum is on Wednesday 19th March ... full details will follow but the topics covered will include some of the issues raised by parents at this meeting.