Keeping Safe Logged In and Online

Being Responsible and Staying Safe

Like we do with all aspects of life, St Machar Academy encourages all young people to be responsible and effective digital and online citizens. All faculties employ digital technologies in their learning and teaching, and young people access online material in many aspects of their lives out with school.

St Machar Academy takes its responsibility to safeguard children and young people from potentially harmful and inappropriate on line material and make use of 360Safe Scotland to empower learners to stay safe on line. St Machar Academy’s Pupil ICT AU Policy and Staff ICT AU Policy establish expected on-line behaviour and are understood by children, young people, parents and staff respectively. Any breach of policy triggers a review of the school's 360 Safe Policy, which is available below. Staff have access to professional learning to support them to understand this increasingly complex risk. St Machar Academy is vigilant in receiving online safety updates from Central Officers and acting upon these appropriately.

The Online Safety Group (which comprises of St Machar Academy / ASG staff, and young people) meets termly to review our approaches to online safety.

Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying, or online bullying, can be defined as the use of technologies by an individual or by a group of people to deliberately and repeatedly upset someone else. Online harassment is a crime and should be reported to the relevant website / application as a matter of urgency. The production and distribution of sexting images involving anyone under the age of 18 is illegal and will often result in child protection arrangements being followed including a referral to Police Scotland. Our Anti-Bullying Policy provides additional advice and guidance about e-Safety. The following agencies provide advice for young people and their families:

NSPCC

CEOP

YOTI

Education Scotland