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.
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
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
Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre
Please find below the latest issue of the, ‘Digital Parenting Magazine.’
Digital ParentingMagazine Issue 6
Digital Parenting Magazine Issue 5
Digital Parenting Magazine – Issue 4
Digital Parenting Magazine – Previous Issues
Think U Know (where you can report e-Safety concerns)
Help Sheets
Help Sheets you might find useful:
Safer Internet Day 2019
These are the links to all the websites we looked at in the Parent Workshop.
