As we are all well aware, using the Internet is an important part of our children’s lives. They use it for research, communication and fun and they express high levels of confidence. However, confidence and safety do not necessarily go hand in hand. As the Internet has become more privatised and mobile, it is critical we empower our children to make sensible, safe decisions whenever and wherever they use it. It is also critical that we monitor and filter the devices the children use.
We achieve the children’s online-safety by categorising it into 3 areas of risk:-
Content – our managed system means that the school has control over access to websites and offers age appropriate filtering. The children are taught how to evaluate websites, what to do and who to speak to if the encounter anything that is inappropriate.
Contact – using safe methods of communication at school, we equip the children with the skills necessary to stay safe whilst being in contact with others. They learn how to protect themselves and how to take responsibility for their own and others’ safety.
Conduct – whilst at school the children learn how to be sensible and respectful users of the Internet. They will be taught ‘netiquette’, not to plagiarise material and the importance of keeping passwords confidential. They will also be made aware that the amount of time they spend on the internet is linked to their health and wellbeing.
We have a whole school approach in which pupils, parents, governors and staff all work together. This, along with our rigorous Online-Safety Policy, relevant online-safety scheme of work, parents’ meetings and staff training, ensures our pupils are fully prepared and supported to use the internet safely and responsibly.
Keeping Children Safe Online during Covid-19
Some advice for Parents and Carers
Here is a list of resources to support you in keeping your children safe online.
Online Safety Advice For Parents And Carers
Parent Guardian Online Radicalisation Information And Support
Click Here for advice on Parental Controls on Netflix.
Click Here to watch a video on Parental Controls on YouTube
Click Here for advice on safeguarding and remote education during coronavirus (COVID-19).
Click Here for advice from AACOSS, the Association of Adult and Child Online Safety Specialists.
The Online Skills our Pupils Develop
In school, we refer to the Education for a Connected World Framework for age specific advice about the online knowledge and skills that our pupils should have the opportunity to develop at different stages of their lives.
Education For A Connected World
Cyber Crime Resources from the Presentation by the East Midlands Special Operations Unit
PARENT LEAFLET
PowerPoint Presentation
Useful Guides
Well-being Conversation Starters
Remote Learning Tips For Parents
Remote Learning Tips For Children
Top Tips for Buying your Child’s First Phone
Useful Websites
Here are some useful websites and the CEOPS image that you can use to report online-safety concerns to the online police.
Child Friendly Search Engines:
The following PDFS are booklets written by the NSPCC:
O2 NSPCC Online safety leaflet – Your Childs Online World
Online Safety Keep Children Safe
Internet Matters Guide Online Safety For Parents Of Children 6 10 Years Old
Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre
Think U Know (where you can report e-Safety concerns)
Help Sheets
Help Sheets you might find useful:
