Online safety
The internet and any internet enabled devices such as computers, tablets and smart phones offer lots of new opportunities, but also present new risks. As the use of technology becomes more frequent, we continue to proactively filter internet access across our schools to ensure that our children are not exposed to any inappropriate or adult material. Each school has an Online Safety Policy which helps to do this.
We have listed below some ways in which you can help keep your child(ren) safe online too:
Childnet’s mission is to work with others to help make the internet a great and safe place for children. Childnet works directly with children and young people from the ages of 3-18, as well as Parents/Carers, teachers and professionals, finding out about their real experiences online and the positive things they are doing. They strive to take a balanced approach, making sure that they promote the positive opportunities, as well as responding to the risks and equipping children and young people to deal with them. You can visit their website here.
The DfE (Department for Education), in collaboration with partners in the UK Council for Internet Safety Education subgroup and the Samaritans, has developed advice for schools and colleges to support their approach to harmful online challenges and online hoaxes. You can find this information here. The page also directs you to further support.
Internet Matters supports parents and professionals with comprehensive resources and expert guidance to help them navigate the ever-changing world of child internet safety. You can read more about them here.
Here you can find multi-award-winning guides for staff and parents – a new one released every week – providing expert advice on keeping children safe online and supporting staff mental health.
We all have a part to play in keeping children safe online. Find out how with NSPCC's online safety guides here.
Over the past five years you may have seen either one of the ‘2 Johns’ present at numerous key events in relation to the Online Child Sexual Exploitation of Children (OCSE). They have completed interviews for BBC Breakfast TV, BBC Radio 4, Channel 4 TV and numerous other local radio stations and have presented in schools across the UK. You can visit their website here where you can find useful resources and guidance in several areas such as for children and for Parents/Carers.
The National Crime Agency's CEOP Education team aim to help protect children and young people from online child sexual abuse. They do this through their education programme, providing training, resources and information to professionals working with children, young people and their families. You can find this here.
UK Safer Internet Centre help children and young people stay safe online. You can visit their helplines and make reports online now by visiting here.
As always, if you find that you would like any additional information on the details highlighted above, or if you think that you would benefit from being signposted to a different service, please do not hesitate to contact a member of the central IT team via the contact page here. Alternatively, you may wish to contact one of your school's DSLs (Designated Safeguarding Leads).