Digital Safety

WhatsApp is a chat app which can be used on a mobile phone or tablet. It allows you to send messages, images and videos to friends. You can have one to one and group conversations. According to the user agreement, you are required to be aged 16 or over to use the app (https://faq.whatsapp.com/general/security-and-privacy/minimum-age-to-use-whatsapp/) therefore this app is not suitable for children in primary school without close monitoring by parents.

The children are reminded about being kind to each other, and this includes when online. They should not call each other names when using group chat. The children are encouraged to be responsible and alert an adult if something is said or shown in the chat that makes them uncomfortable. They should also alert an adult if they realise that someone is being criticized or made upset during a group chat.

If children are sent inappropriate images it is incredibly important that they tell an adult straight away.

We understand that children sometimes fall out and disagree but the issue with whole class group chats is that this becomes very open and public and this can be embarrassing and upsetting for the children when they come into school.

Here are some links to websites for further information:

parentinfo.org/article/whatsapp-a-guide-for-parents-and-carers

www.net-aware.org.uk/networks/whatsapp/

We encourage you to talk openly with the children about their use of social media, the way they talk to each other and how to be responsibility. Most of all, please monitor their use of their phone and devices very carefully.

We are very concerned about the Omegle app, particularly after Cheshire Police recently highlighted it as dangerous for young people to use (www.yourwestcheshire.co.uk/da/374391/Discord_and_Omegle_.html)

Omegle is a free online chat site that lets you speak to other users without registering. You can choose to talk via text chat or video call. The service randomly pairs users in one-on-one chat sessions where they chat anonymously using the names "You" and "Stranger" meaning you have no control over who you can talk to. You need to be aged 13 to use the app.

If children are sent inappropriate images it is incredibly important that they tell an adult straight away.

A parents guide to Omegle is attached to download below.

Here are some links to websites for further information:

www.net-aware.org.uk/networks/omegle/

www.childnet.com/blog/what-is-omegle-key-things-parents-and-carers-need-to-know

We encourage you to talk openly with you child about their use of social media, review the apps on their phone and monitor the use of their phone and devices very carefully.