Dear Colleague, 

With Christmas nearly upon us and many children either receiving new devices or simply spending more time on them over the holidays), we have some advice for you to share with parents before the holidays.

Parents will be wondering who are children TALKING to, what are they DOING, and are they SAFE? How can they tell if an app or game is APPROPRIATE? How long is too long on DEVICES? And how can you start an awkward CONVERSATION?

Why not signpost them to parentsafe.lgfl.net, a one-stop location for support and advice. Either send them to the site directly or to specific resources from it. We've picked out a few here for you, but remember to highlight to them:

• Controls are easier to put on a device at the start before you give it to a child
• Smart devices are no safer than traditional ones and are often given to youngest children - here's a great guide from Common Sense Media

These step by step parental control guides by Internet Matters help parents set up the right controls and privacy settings on the networks, gadgets, apps, and sites they use for a safer online experience.

Common Sense Media has thousands of expert reviews of apps, games and films as well as what parents and children think about them.

Our digital family agreement can help manage expectations and clarify what is allowed...or not, how much time you can spend on devices, and ground rules like no phones at the table or in bedrooms at night. 

Find all the above and more including story time ideas and guidance on specific topics from bullying and relationships to sharing online at parentsafe.lgfl.net

Don't forget there's lots happening at LGfL for other areas of the school beyond safeguarding:

• Other training from LGfL teams
• Find out all we do beyond broadband here
• Sign up to one of the other newsletters
• Stay connected anywhere with our limitless SIM deals and Dongles

Have a great festive holiday and see you next term!

Mark and Mubina

Your LGfL DigiSafe Team

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