Online Safety For Mentors
(download as PDF here)
As a Dojo mentor it is important to ensure that all ninjas are staying safe online. While
the internet and other online technologies can open a vast amount of opportunities for
young people, there are also risks associated with being online. As Mentors you must be
aware of the risks online and proactive in looking out for your ninjas online safety.
The Risks and Dangers Online
Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying is bullying that takes place online either on social networking sites or
through online gaming. Read the NSPCC advice for parents about cyberbullying .
Exposure to inappropriate content, including
pornography
Children and young people may see illegal or inappropriate content online, such as:
● pornography
● child abuse images
● dangerous advice encouraging eating disorders, self harm or suicide
● excessive violence or race hate materials.
Some websites can contain illegal materials, others may be legal, but could be meant for
adults only. Children may access this inappropriate content accidentally, or intentionally
through curiosity. They may also be enticed by promises of special offers or prizes, so it is
important to be aware of this when giving them access to the internet.
Ignoring age restrictions
Some websites and games use age restrictions and checks to ensure that children don’t
see unsuitable content. did you know that children must be at least 13 years or older to
register on most social networking websites. The age limit is an important safety
measure there for a reason and you should not be pressured into letting your child join
these websites.
Young people ‘friending’ or communicating with people they don’t know
Young people may chat or become ‘friends’ with people they don’t know or have never
met via social networks or online games.
The percentage of online friends that children did not know outside of being online was:
● 12% for 8 – 11 years olds in 2012
● 25% for 12 – 15 year olds in 2013
Making online friends
This video by the Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) Centre describes what
an online ‘friend’ is and how children are using social networking to communicate.
Privacy controls can limit who can see your details, although making ‘friends’ will give
someone access to your information which is problematic when anyone friends someone
they only know from their online profile.
Online safety checklists
These checklists provide a quick reference guide to help you talk to your child about
keeping safe online.
Download tips to help keep your child safe online
Download checklist for under fives
Download checklist for primary school children
Download checklist for teenagers
This work is licensed under: Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International