13 Advice about social networking
- Safe: The National Primary school Certificate in Safe Social Networking, http://www.digitalme.co.uk/safe/ [Tip: hold Ctrl and click a link to open it in a new tab. (Hide tip)]
- Social networking, http://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/8_10/control/social/
- Social networking, http://www.digizen.org/socialnetworking/
- Social networking in plain English, http://www.commoncraft.com/video-social-networking
Safe is a new programme of practical activities to develop primary children's skills, self confidence and safety awareness when using social networking sites. By completing the free programme pupils gain a Safe certificate as evidence of their learning. Start the Safe certificate now or join in the discussion by clicking on the URL above.
Social networking services are changing the ways in which people use and engage with the internet and with each other. Young people in particularly are quick to use sites such as Facebook (which has over 500 million users worldwide) in ways that increasingly blur the boundaries between online and offline activities.
It’s important to remember that most social networking websites are for those 13 and older. Many children in primary schools, however, will have Facebook accounts because it is very easy to sign on and lie about your age and many parents do not appreciate that the service provider states you have to be over 13 to join.
There are many e-safety issues connected with social networks including cyberbullying, uploading inappropriate photographs, and sharing private information. Take the time to study the advice from CEOP and Childnet (see links above) as well as the advice published on the London Grid for Learning about the importance of privacy settings. See http://www.lgfl.info/ information/ news/ Lists/ News%20Articles/ DispForm.aspx?ID=57
You can also watch a short video on the new Facebook privacy controls at http://www.connectsafely.com/ Videos/
N.B. This advice was last updated in May and June 2010.
Reflection
It’s unlikely that children in KS1 will have used Facebook but many of them will have heard of it or seen it through older brothers or sisters. Remember there are other social networking sites designed specifically for younger children – see http://www.clubpenguin.com/ for a good example.
If you have a social networking profile have you ensured that your profile is private?
12 Advice on acceptable use policies