E-Safety

At CMA we take E-Safety very seriously. We know how difficult it can be to keep track of all the latest sites and apps that students are interested in. This page provides advice, guidance and support for parent/carers to help keep their child safe online. You can find links to all relevant policies at the bottom of this page. If you have any concerns about your child’s online safety, please call the Academy and our Safeguarding Team will be happy to help.  

Always think of your personal safety first when using ICT on your mobile phone. Remember it is easy for anyone to lie about who they are online, so you can never be really sure who you are talking to.

1. Do not give out personal information about yourself online to people you do not know. This includes your full name, address, street name, postcode, or school name.
2. Never give your contact number to anyone you don’t know.
3. It’s a good idea to use a nickname rather than your real name.
4. Don’t meet people that you have only spoken to online. If you do decide to meet up with anyone in real life, then make sure that you take a trusted adult with you and meet in a public place at a busy time.
5. Never give out pictures online or over a mobile unless you know the person in real life. It is easy for people to take your pictures and alter them, send them on, or even pretend to be you with them.
6. Always use private settings whenever you are setting up a social media account. This is so people who you don’t want to see your profile can’t.
7. Anything you post or upload to the internet is there forever, for everyone to see, so be very careful what you put online.
8. Never go onto webcam with people you don’t know in real life. Webcam images can be recorded and copied and also shared with other people.
9. If you receive any messages or pictures that worry or upset you, talk to an adult you trust. You may also report it online, via the thinkuknow website http:/www.thinkuknow.co.uk

If you are worried or have any concerns, speak to a member of staff

Age Related Guidance

Children use the internet in different ways depending on their age and so Internet Matters have developed checklists for parents that give you top tips on how to help them stay safe.

Online Safety Guide for 11-13 years

Online Safety Guide for 14+

Social Media Guidance

Social media sites and apps are updated all the time, and children seem to know more about the apps than we do! The links below will tell you where to go to find help about the safety features available on these popular social networks. They provide parental advice and support in case something goes wrong or you have concerns in relation to one of these social media sites. 

Roblox – Roblox is described as suitable for ages 7+, however recommendations are that parents limit the on-line chat feature which means anybody can chat to your child on-line. The hyperlinked title will provide parents with guidance and support to restrict the on-line chat feature. 

Youtube – The age requirement to create your own account is 13+. The hyperlinked guide provides support and advice for parents to apply restriction modes which filters inappropriate content. It is highly recommended that all parents apply this to their devices.

Facebook – The age requirement for a Facebook account is 13+. 

Tik Tok – The age requirement for a Tik Tok account is 13+. 

Instagram – The age requirement for an Instagram account is 13+. 

Snapchat – The age requirement for a Snapchat account is 13+. 

WhatsApp – The age requirement for WhatsApp is 16+

X (formerly Twitter) – The age requirement for an X account is 13+.

AskFm – The age requirement for a AskFm account is 13+.

For further advice and guidance in relation to social media please click here

Video Games

Please click on the links below to find out information about the video games your children play. In addition, the site explains where to find the most up to date information for setting parental controls on consoles and explains how PEGI ratings work.

PEGI Ratings – The Video Standards council sets age ratings for games; this site will help you to understand what those ratings mean.  

Pokémon Go – A guide to keep your child safe if they are playing Pokémon Go. 

A Guide for Parents – An online guide by O2 for parents to help protect their child online. This website also contains a guide to support setting up your child’s first mobile phone.

Sexting

It may feel awkward, but it’s important to explain to children the risks of sexting, how to stay safe and remind them that they can talk to you if something ever makes them feel scared or uncomfortable. 

The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) has information about sexting on its website: Keeping Children Safe – Information about Sexting 

CEOP

The Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) Centre is the UK’s national child protection agency (visit www.ceop.police.uk for more information). CEOP believe the start of the new school year is the perfect time to speak to your child about how they use the internet and how they can stay safe online.

Through the ClickCEOP advice and help centre, members of the public can access guidance on a broad range of topics to help protect their children, or alternatively report a concern directly to CEOP.

When should I report to CEOP?

CEOP children stay safe online. Has someone acted inappropriately towards you online, or to a child or young person you know? It may be sexual chat, being asked to do something that makes you feel uncomfortable or someone being insistent on meeting up. You can report it to CEOP below.

Other Useful Websites

The Parent Zone – Useful information about online safety

Think U Know – Protecting your child from online abuse online