internet

Internet Safety

The internet can be an overwhelming experience at times, the sheer variety of what is available is staggering. However, this is no excuse for not attempting to minimise the risk for children who are learning what the net has to offer.

The following links are recommended as sources of good advice and materials on internet safety:

	CEOP - Child exploitation and online protection centre April 2006 saw the launch of the UK's new Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre. The CEOP Centre is based in London and combines children's charities, industry, government and other interested parties to bring an all encompassing approach to protecting children from sexual abuse.
	Childnet International Childnet is a registered charity with the mission to work in partnership with others around the world to help make the internet a great and safe place for children. Internet safety leaflets are free to parents and a host of other internet safety information and resources are available from the Childnet International website. Also features the useful resource "Jenny's Story".
	Becta - Developing a whole school internet policy This new publication looks at the importance of ensuring a safe ICT learning environment; developing a whole-school approach to internet safety; and creating an infrastructure for whole-school awareness.
	Child Protection Taskforce The Internet Task Force for Child Protection on the Internet aims to make the UK the best and safest place in the world for children to use the Internet, and to help protect children the world over from abuse fuelled by criminal misuse of new technologies.
	SWGfL Safety Section The output from the SWGfL safety working group has been focused on policy/documentation, communication, system improvements and partnerships. An update report detailing the specific developments is available from their site. There is also a short film online (8 minutes) outlining the work of the safety working group.
	Wise Kids Wise Kids has some resources that may be of interest for children including a flash-based guide to 'Being Savvy Online', which is based on brochures in print.
	thinkuknow.co.uk A website for young people full of information about staying safe online designed by the Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) centre.
	Internet Safety Zone A useful site that explains a variety of issues and provides advice on managing children's access to the internet.