Keeping safe online

Our pupils are growing up in a world of ever changing technology. While the use of technology contributes positively to many aspect of modern life, we cannot ignore the risks that can be associated with using it.

It is our aim that throughout the school we teach children:

• about the impact of cyber-bullying and what to do if they have been affected
• to be vigilant when communicating online recognising that people may not always be who they say they are and to be sensible about what they share
• to tell an adult they trust if something is upsetting them
• to question the reliability of information given through a web based source
• to search responsibility for information while using internet browsers
• to always be supervised by an adult when they are using their devices or computer

Filtering and monitoring in school

While your child is in school there will be times when they will be using information from the internet. Our school system has filters to reduce the risk of unwanted material being accessed by the children and internet use in school is always supervised.

Keeping Children Safe in Education 2023 states that all schools should have appropriate filtering and monitoring systems in place.

The web filtering that we use is provided through Capacity2learn by a UK based company called Censornet that have a first-class reputation and many years’ experience in this field. They are also on the list of recommended government suppliers.

Accessing the internet at home

In school children learn about staying safe online and we encourage you to reinforce these messages at home. If your child has access to the internet at  home, please have appropriate filters and supervision in place. Below are a list of useful websites, advice and resources that you may find helpful when navigating the issue of online safety with your child. There are also resources that your child can directly access as well to help them learn about online safety.

Useful resources and links

Thinkuknow https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/

Thinkuknow is an education programme from the National Crime Agency’s CEOP Command. Since 2006, it aims to ensure that everyone has access to this practical information – children, young people, their parents and carers and the professionals who work with them.

Internet matters https://www.internetmatters.org/resources/esafety-leaflets-resources/

Internet matter supports parents and professionals with comprehensive resources and expert guidance to help them navigate the ever-changing world of child internet safety.

NSPCC https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/

The NSPCC support parents and carers with online safety advice and to make sure that it is safe for every child to go online.

Childnet https://www.childnet.com/parents-and-carers/

Childnet International is a registered UK charity that aims to make the internet a safe place for children and young people. Packed with resources it is a great resource for parents and carers.

Resources for children to use

https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/4_7/

https://www.netsmartzkids.org/

https://www.childnet.com/resources/smartie-the-penguin/