Parkside Logo – White Text

Online Safety Guidance for Parents of 11-16 Year Olds

Parkside Community School is dedicated to safeguarding our pupils’ wellbeing, especially in the online environment. As teenagers use the internet more independently, it is important for parents and carers to understand the potential risks and take proactive steps to protect their children. Below you will find useful guidance, practical tips, and trusted resources to support your child’s online safety. 

The Importance of Online Safety

The internet is a fantastic tool for learning, connecting, and exploring. However, it also brings risks such as exposure to inappropriate content, cyberbullying, and threats to privacy. It’s important to stay informed about these dangers and ensure that your child is well-equipped to navigate the online world safely. 

Golden Rules for Safe Internet Browsing

These Golden Rules are designed to help teenagers stay safe while using the internet: 

  • Think before you click: Only visit trusted, secure websites. Avoid unfamiliar links and always check for “https” in the URL. 
  • Use strong, unique passwords: Ensure your teen’s passwords are complex and updated regularly. Consider using a password manager for added security. 
  • Keep personal information private: Advise your child not to share personal details like their address, school, or phone number online. 
  • Avoid interacting with strangers: Remind your child not to engage with people they don’t know personally on social media or gaming platforms. 
  • Stay safe with privacy settings: Make sure privacy settings are enabled on all platforms to limit who can view their information. 
  • Don’t overshare: Discourage your teen from oversharing personal moments, photos, or real-time locations on social media. 
  • Stay protected: Install antivirus software and update devices regularly to prevent malware attacks. 

Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying is a form of bullying that occurs online through social media, messaging apps, or online games. It can have serious effects on a young person’s mental health and wellbeing. 

Parkside Community School does not tolerate any type of bullying, including cyberbullying. 

The Department for Education (DfE) defines bullying as: 

“Behaviour by an individual or group, usually repeated over time, that intentionally hurts another individual or group, either physically or emotionally.” 

This also includes the use of technology such as computers or mobile phones to do this. The difference is often that cyberbullying can seem to be anonymous and can therefore result in a greater feeling of isolation and helplessness for the victim. 

Signs of Cyberbullying: 

  • Receiving threatening, hurtful, or embarrassing messages or comments. 
  • Being excluded from online groups or conversations. 
  • Having false or damaging rumours spread about them online. 
  • Someone impersonating them to post inappropriate or harmful content. 

What You Can Do: 

  • Open communication: Encourage your child to talk to you or a trusted adult if they are being bullied or witness it happening to others. 
  • Reporting and blocking: Teach your child how to report and block users who are engaging in cyberbullying on the platforms they use. 
  • Keep evidence: If bullying occurs, take screenshots of the messages or posts for documentation and report it to the school or, if necessary, the authorities. 

For more information on app-specific guidance, such as privacy settings and parental controls, please refer to the Additional Resources section below. 

For more information on how to handle cyberbullying, you can visit Childline’s Cyberbullying Page, which offers further advice and support for both parents and children. 

ABC Online Safety Checklist for Teens (11-16)

To help your teen stay safe online, follow the ABC checklist provided by Internet Matters: 

A – Activate Parental Controls and Privacy Settings 

  • Review privacy settings together on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat. 
  • Use family modes or parental control tools to monitor and limit activity, like TikTok Family Pairing or Snapchat Family Centre. 

B – Balance Online and Offline Life 

  • Encourage a healthy balance between online and offline activities. 
  • Help them monitor screen time and take regular breaks from their devices. 

C – Check, Communicate, and Report 

  • Regularly discuss with your child the apps and platforms they use. Ask them how they manage their privacy and safety online. 
  • Ensure they know how to report harmful content or behaviour and that they understand the importance of digital etiquette. 

Additional Resources

For further information and support, explore the following resources: 

Recommended websites for more information