It has been brought to our attention that some children have been watching a new Netflix series called Squid Game.  May we remind parents that this series is rated as a 15 due to its adult content.

It is vital that you monitor what your child is watching online and we recommend that they watch TVs and devices in a communal room at home rather than in their bedrooms.

It is a good idea to set up a Netflix Kids experience profile so you can be sure that they are watching only child-friendly programmes.  There are many other ways to keep your child safe when using Netflix.  Please read the safety tips below:

If you have any concerns or need further advice, please contact a member of the Newdale team.

3 steps you can take to help keep your child safer online

Parental controls: Parental controls have been designed to help you manage your child’s online activities. There are various types, some of which are free but others which can be bought. However, nothing is totally fool proof so this shouldn’t replace the  support and guidance you  give your child to help keep them safer.  For more information and step by step instructions on setting up parental controls, visit Parental Controls & Privacy Settings Guides – Internet Matters.

Supervise their online activity: Keep the devices your child uses in communal areas of the house such as the living room or kitchen, where an adult is able to supervise. Primary-age children should not access the internet in private spaces alone, such as in a bedroom or bathroom.

Explore together and chat little and often: Ask your child to show you their favourite apps, games and sites and encourage them to teach you how to use these. Ask them if anything ever worries them online. Make sure they know they won’t be in trouble and can get help by talking to you or another adult they trust if anything happens online that makes them feel worried, sad or scared.

If you need more support or guidance with online safety please contact a staff member or send us an email newdale.primary@taw.org.uk

Children love to watch videos and YouTube is always a firm favourite! But sometimes children can be exposed to videos that are not meant for them. YouTube Kids is a safer way for children to explore their interests. You can find more information about this on YouTube: what parents need to know .

Remember, primary-age children should be supervised at all times when online.

If you need more support or guidance with online safety please contact a staff member or send us an email newdale.primary@taw.org.uk

Using devices like phones and tablets to share pictures and videos can be a great way for children to have fun and stay in touch with friends and family.   It’s really important your child knows what’s ok to share online and what they should check with you first.

What are the risks?

● Once an image has been shared, you can never be sure who has seen it, saved it or shared it.

● Personal or embarrassing pictures in the wrong hands can lead to bullying.

● Knowing that others have seen embarrassing images can cause stress and anxiety, and affect a child’s confidence and self-esteem.

● Unwanted pictures online could affect educational and job opportunities later in life.

● Sharing images, particularly sexualised images, can increase the likelihood of a child receiving inappropriate sexual contact from strangers online.

To reduce these risks it is important for you to talk to your child.  Ensure that they know the rules around sharing pictures.

You can find a useful guide for parents about sharing pictures here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VEMH5BIrrW4&t=9s

If you need more support or guidance with online safety please contact a staff member or send us an email newdale.primary@taw.org.uk