Online Safety
The internet is part of the statutory curriculum and a necessary tool for learning. It is used in school to promote pupil achievement, to raise educational standards and to prepare our pupils for a 21st century life for education, business and social interaction.
Access to the internet is therefore an entitlement for pupils who show a responsible and mature approach to its use. Our school has a duty to provide pupils with a safe learning environment within that access.
Pupils will use the internet in other environments too therefore need to learn how to evaluate internet information and to take care of their own safety and security.
Many Internet Service Providers offer filtering systems and tools to help you safeguard your child at home, nonetheless it can still be surprisingly easy for children to access inappropriate material. The following guidelines will help you to keep your child safe online:
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Set the security levels within Internet Explorer or other browsers.
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It may be worth considering locating the computer in a family area where possible (not a bedroom). This will enable you to supervise your son or daughter as they use the Internet.
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Ensure they only use websites you have chosen together or a child friendly search engine.
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Never give out any personal information about themselves, friends or family online including home address, phone or mobile number.
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Only email people they know and ask permission before opening an email sent by someone they don’t know.
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Never tell someone they don’t know where they go to school or post any pictures of themselves in school uniform.
Perhaps go through these rules with your child and have them near the computer for your child to see.
This guide has been created to introduce some of the most popular devices, highlighting the safety tools available and empowering parents with the knowledge they need to support their children to use these technologies safely and responsibly.
In School we have our own ‘Smart’ rules that the children learn about through a series of cartoons and activities. They are appropriate for children aged 4 – 11. Please follow the link to access these at home too.
http://www.childnet.com/kia/primary/smartadventure/default.aspx
Other websites you may find useful regarding e-safety are:
and
Whisper
Whisper is our anonymous reporting service for pupils, families and the local community. It allows you to send a message to a confidential school email account where staff experienced in responding to issues will receive it. You can read our letter to parents below:
Many websites now include the 'report abuse' button. This can be used if you would like to report suspicious individuals or behaviour directly to the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (CEOP). CEOP will investigate your report and provide feedback to you.
IF YOU FEEL WORRIED OR THREATENED BY SOMEONE'S BEHAVIOUR ONLINE, YOU CAN REPORT IT BY CLICKING ON THIS LINK:
