Educators, social workers and other professionals working with children and young people play a key role in supporting children to learn about how to stay safe online. This is best achieved by embedding e-safety across the work of the organisation, through a framework of effective policies and routes for reporting concerns such as cyberbullying.

Social media increases vulnerability by providing opportunities for grooming, for bullying, and the exchange of inappropriate photographs, and for access to information and items to purchase. The rapid development of online activity and social media platforms can be confusing for parents, practitioners and organisations.

Please access up-to-date information and useful links about e-safety below.

Think U Know 

CEOP Command's (former Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre) Thinkuknow programme provides resources, training and support around online safety for professionals who work directly with children and young people. It is tailored to various age groups.

Share Aware

A useful NSPCC site which can support parents in how to talk to their children about the dangers of sharing information online.

UK Safer Internet Centre

An organisation that provides useful information, advice and resources to help professionals support young people to stay safe online but also for professionals to protect their own online reputation, particularly when using social networking sites.

UK Safer Internet has a Helpline for professionals working with children and young people in the UK to provide support with all aspects of digital and online issues such as those which occur on social networking sites, cyber-bullying, sexting, online gaming and child protection online. The Helpline aims to resolve issues professionals face about themselves, such as protecting professional identity and reputation, as well as young people in relation to online safety. Call 0844 381 4772 Monday to Friday from 10am to 4pm or email helpline@saferinternet.org.uk for advice.

Resources

(the above policy is currently under review)