What is online safety?
‘Online safety’ is a term used to describe how we keep children safe when they are using any kind of technology: including the internet, mobile phones and computer games. Children these days are ‘tech literate’ but it is important to remember that adults are ‘life literate’ – and just because children may be more confident than some adults in using the internet, they still need our involvement, advice and support.
New technologies have become integral to the lives of children in today’s society, both within school and in their lives outside school. The internet and other digital information and communication technologies are powerful tools, which open up new opportunities for everyone. These technologies can stimulate discussion, promote creativity and stimulate awareness of context to promote effective learning. Children should have an entitlement to safe internet access at all times.
Our school ensures that:
- pupils are responsible users and stay safe while using the internet and other communications technologies for educational, personal and recreational use
- school ICT systems and users are protected from accidental or deliberate misuse that could put the security of the systems and users at risk
- parents and carers are aware of the importance of online safety and are involved in the education and guidance of young people with regard to their on-line behaviour
- pupils will have good access to ICT to enhance their learning and will, in return, expect the pupils to agree to be responsible users
Please refer to our Online Safety Policy which can be found on our Policies page.
Further Information About Online Safety:
Listed below are some additional online links (click on the underlined subheadings) which we hope you might provide families with additional sources of information regarding online safety as well as how to report concerns or worries:
CEOP: The Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre
Are you worried about online sexual abuse or the way someone has been communicating online? Are you worried this is happening to someone you know? CEOP is here to help, you can make a report to one of CEOP’s child protection advisors who will try to help you safely and securely.
On this page there is also information for parents and professionals to help with a range of matters.
There are so many games and apps available it can be difficult for parents to keep up. If your child is asking you about a particular game or app, or if you become aware of them using something without your knowledge and you would like to know more, Common Sense Media will be able to help with reviews and advice.
The National Crime Agency’s Thinkuknow website has guides and games about on-line safety and behaviour aimed at various age groups of children as well as providing helpful information for parents.
Operated by the NSPCC, Childline is the main helpline for children and young people to get help, advice and support on a huge range of matters including bullying, abuse and so much more. Children can contact using a freephone number (0800 1111), email or online chat with a 1-2-1 counsellor.
If you have ever have any concerns regarding a child’s online safety, please feel able to talk to a member of staff at school who will then be able to support and advise you.