Online-safety
'Every time there's a new tool, whether it's Internet or cell phones or anything else, all these things can be used for good or evil. Technology is neutral; it depends on how it's used'.
Rick Smola
We know that, as a school, we play a key role in promoting internet safety. Our whole school approach to online safety helps our parents and pupils in keeping children and young people safe online.
As a school we have:
- a trained workforce who are confident in online safety, identifying and responding to concerns
- resources to teach children and young people the skills to stay safe online
- resources and advice to share with parents and carers
- robust e-safety policies and procedures, IT infrastructure and support and regular reviewing of our online safety provision.
If you have any questions regarding online safety that you can't find the answer to below, please do not hesitate to contact your child's class teacher.
School Acceptable Usage Policies.
Please find below the Acceptable Usage Policies for our school. These policies are put in place to ensure everyone can use the digital devices around the school safely and secure in the knowledge that this is of paramount importance to the school. Please read the policies so that you are aware of the statements your child/children are signing and agreeing to adhere to. If necessary, discuss with your child/children so you know they understand. If you should have any questions regarding these policies, please contact one of our safeguarding team, who will be happy to discuss them with you. An appointment can be booked via the school office.
Child Safety Online
Guidelines for Internet Use by Children and Young People
- Place computers in public places where everyone can see what is being viewed
- Take an interest in internet use; talk to young people about what they've seen.
- Monitor time spent online to ensure it does not become excessive
- Educate young people to use the resource sensibly
- Help young people to become critical users; "...is this information true?"
- Warn young people about unsavoury sites and discuss the issues involved
- Contact the Internet Watch Foundation (www.iwf.org.uk) if anyone finds any material you believe to be illegal
- Compile lists of safe sites and chat rooms
- Access chat rooms by checking if it is moderated and by whom and finding out if the chat room has a clear terms and conditions policy? Does it have appropriate access control and password verification? Does it remind users of safety issues? Does the chat room give young people genuine opportunities to interact and shape the chat?
Emails/chatrooms
To keep children and young people safe online ensure they are aware of safety tips or rules like the following. These tips will also need to be communicated in a way that does not scare children, but encourages them to take responsibility.
- Never tell anyone you meet on the internet your name, address, telephone numbers, or any other information, such as information about your family, where you live or the school you go to.
- Do not send anyone your picture, credit card or bank details without checking with a responsible adult.
- Never give out your password to anyone, even your best friends.
- Do not stay in a chat room if anyone says anything that makes you feel uncomfortable or worried and tell a parent/carer if you see such material.
- Always tell an adult if you receive a message that is scary, threatening or rude, do not respond and log off.
- If you wish to meet someone you have met in cyberspace, ask a parent/carer's permission and then only when they can be present.
CEOP is a law enforcement agency and is here to keep children and young people safe from sexual exploitation and abuse.
CEOP Report Button - Click on button below to link to the CEOP Reporting page.
The Blue Whale Challenge
TikTok Parent Fact sheet February 2019
UK Chief Medical Officer's commentary on screen-based activities and children's mental health