E-Safety Guide
At Leeds City Academy, 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.
Age Related Safety Guides from Internet Matters
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
You can find additional support from Internet Matters to help your child navigate secondary school in a digitally savvy world here.
The White Rose Academies Trust outlines key parental responsibilities surrounding E-Safety and Remote Learning. These are summarised below:
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Inform the academy of any changes to their child’s access to digital devices used to support remote learning.
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Support and encourage their child when completing their remote learning.
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Make the academy aware if their child is sick or otherwise unable to complete the remote learning set by their classroom teachers.
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Ensure that any loaned devices are returned to the academy after the period of absence.
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Be respectful if making any complaints or concerns known to staff.
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Ensure that loan devices are used in line with the signed Shared Use Agreement (linked at the bottom of this page)
Social media help
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+
Twitter - The age requirement for a Twitter 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.
Ask About Games - This website provides advice and guidance for parents to set up controls and restrictions on all major consoles. It also contains a database of family friendly games.
Staying Safe on Minecraft - Minecraft can be used by children under the age of 13 with their parents' permission. This website provides support, advice and guidance to ensure your child stays safe whilst playing the game.
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
Frequently asked questions
Q - My child is accessing inappropriate material on the internet, what should I do?
A – It is always advisable to set up parental controls to restrict the material your child can access on the internet. This link provides details of how to apply filtering for all major internet providers. Remember that filtering is only part of the solution as no parental control system is 100% effective. Take time to discuss safer internet use with your child using the advice and guidance above. If you are concerned about the material your child has accessed, please contact your child’s Academy immediately and ask to speak to the Designated Safeguarding Lead.
Q - My child is being cyberbullied, what should I do?
A – Please report this immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead at your child’s Academy. If this is happening on social media, it is advisable to block the perpetrator from making further contact, advise on how to do this can be found under the social media section of this page.
Q – My child has been contacted by an unknown adult online, what should I do?
A – Please report this immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead at your child’s Academy. If you think your child is being groomed by an adult, report it to the authorities immediately. You can seek further support from the Nation Crime Agency’s CEOP command for support. Further advice about online grooming can be found here.
Other useful websites
The Parent Zone – Useful information about online safety
Think U Know – Protecting your child from online abuse online
Child Exploitation and Online Protection - For advice, support or how to report a concern.
Link to Policies
Please click here to review the Anti Bullying and Child Protection Policies.