According to Ofcom data from July this year:

Two-thirds of 5-7 year olds now use the internet at home, rising to over three-quarters of 8-11 year olds and over four-fifths of 12-15s.

Of these, one fifth of 5-7 year olds use the internet without an adult present, as do almost half of 8-11 year olds and two-thirds of 12-15s.

12-15 year olds say they spend an average of nearly 14 hours a week online.

Over a third of 12-15 year olds say they mostly access the internet in their bedroom.  During this time they could encounter inappropriate or even potentially harmful content.

A support video and guide can be found by clicking here (please note this is an embedded youtube video):

The following information and resources are to support parents with ensuring that any use of internet and communication technologies at home are used responsibly and safely.

We encourage all children to understand and apply the SMART rules when using ICT .

• SAFE - Staying safe involves being careful and not giving out your name, address, mobile phone no., school name or password to people online.
• MEETING someone you have contacted in cyberspace can be dangerous. Only do so with your parent's/carer's permission, and then when they can be present.
• ACCEPTING e-mails or opening files from people you don't really know or trust can get you into trouble - they may contain viruses or nasty messages.
• RELIABLE - Someone online maybe lying about who they are, and information you find on the Internet may not be reliable.
• TELL your parent or carer if someone or something makes you feel uncomfortable or worried.

Childnet International have produced a wonderful interactive resource to help Parent's understand E-safety issues and advise them on how to deal with them. If you have not had an E-safety Parent's presentation at school or need to remind yourself of some of the issues then click here.

The curriculum ICT team offers E-safety presentations to parents through their local school. Ask your school about this or contact the team on 01274 385844; we also provide an online form to help parents assess their understanding of E-safety issues available to schools on request.

Resources in this area support the parent presentation delivered in schools and try to give clear and simple advice covering most areas of E-safety.