E-safety Learning - Year 5 and 6
Michael Sheerin
The children in Year 5 and Year 6 have completed the second part of a three part series of e-safety lessons called Play Like Share, created by Thinkuknow. It is an award-winning programme from the National Crime Agency’s child protection command, CEOP. It aims to keep children safe from abuse, both online and off.
The Play Like Share lessons are age-appropriate, non-scaremongering, and give children the skills, knowledge and confidence they need to stay safe online. According to CEOP, they are used by over three and a half million children across the UK each year.
About Play Like Share
Play Like Share follows the adventures of Alfie, Ellie and Sam as they form a band and enter their school’s Battle of the Bands contest, taking on the mean but ‘cool’ Popcorn Wizards as they go. The three friends learn that while the internet can help, they need to use it wisely and safely.
The aim of the programme is to help 8-10 year olds learn how to stay safe online. In particular, the films and activities teach them to spot the early signs of manipulative, pressurising and threatening behaviour by people they might meet online, and develops their confidence to respond safely and get help.
Get involved!
You can watch a short trailer and all three brief episodes of Play Like Share at
www.thinkuknow.co.uk/parents/playlikeshare.
It is a great idea for you to watch each episode with your child after they have viewed it in class (to avoid spoiling any surprises!) and to have conversations with them about the subjects covered. To help you do so, download the Play Like Share Parents and Carers Helpsheet, with:
· -Ideas for starting conversations about online safety with your child
· -Links to more advice and support on how to keep your child safe online
· -Information about how to get help if you are worried about your child
You will also find plenty of advice and support about keeping your child safe online at the Thinkuknow Parents and Carers Website: www.thinkuknow.co.uk/parents.
Please do not hesitate to get in touch if you would like further information or if you have any concerns about your child and online safety.