Safeguarding

If you are worried or concerned about your child or another child's safety and well being and would like to discuss it with a member of the Safeguarding Team, do not hesitate to contact us in school on the following email.

safeguarding@bexleyheathacademy.org

Students can find the Safeguarding Team in room A103 and in the Attendance office in the English corridor or just ask for a member of the Safeguarding Team at reception; Ms Natalie Kendall is our Designated Safeguarding Lead .

Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy

Online Safety Policy

Internet and World Wide Web Safety

As an Academy we take safeguarding our students very seriously. As well as rigorous systems for adults in our employment or as volunteers, it has long been necessary to give frequent consideration to issues of safe use of the internet for students.

ICT in the 21st Century is an essential resource to support learning and teaching, as well as playing an important role in the everyday lives of children, young people and adults. Consequently, schools need to build in the use of these technologies in order to arm our young people with the skills to access life-long learning and employment.

We regularly revisit the issue of safe personal behaviour online with all students aged 11-18. They receive information through assemblies, and be encouraged to discuss the issues with tutors and peers. Often young people know about what to do to keep themselves safe online; they just do not always believe the message or think the dangers relate to someone other than themselves. There are also legal considerations.

The central messages are:

·         Be responsible yourself with your digital footprint

·         What you put out there cannot be undone and can have long standing consequences

·         Report to parents/ us or CEOP if you find you are out of your depth

·         Be aware that you must not break the law

What can parents/carers do?

Discuss as a family how the internet will be used in your house. Consider what information should be kept private (such as personal information, photos etc) and decide rules for making and meeting online friends. Make sure you know what your child is doing online much like you would offline.

Discuss using strong passwords with your child so they understand how they can protect their online accounts. It's important they know they need to keep their passwords safe and not share them with anyone or use the same password for several accounts. If your child's account is "hacked" or compromised then make sure they change their password and report any concerns or suspicious activity.

Check how secure your passwords are here: HOWSECUREISMYPASSWORD.NET

For more advice on using strong passwords visit: GETSAFEONLINEPASSWORD

Online Safety

Install antivirus software, secure your internet connection and use Parental Control functions for computers, mobile phones and games consoles to block unsuitable content or contact. Always remember that parental control tools are not always 100% effective and sometimes unsuitable content can get past them, so don't rely on them alone to protect your child.

Location

 Consider locating your computers and laptops in a family area where children's online activity can be monitored or supervised. Always supervise the use of webcams and any applications or devices which allow voice or video chat. Also consider the use and location of other devices your child's uses which allow internet access such as mobile phones and games consoles. 

Visit SAFERINTERNET.ORG.UK for safety information about consoles and devices

Talk to your child and ask them to show or even teach you how they use the internet, learn which websites or tools they like to use and why. Learning together with your child can often open opportunities to discuss safe behaviour online. Always ensure your child knows how to block and report people online who may send nasty or inappropriate messages or content. Encourage your child not to retaliate or reply and to keep any evidence.

Make sure your child knows it's important that they tell an adult they trust if anything happens online that makes them feel scared, worried or uncomfortable. It's essential to be realistic: banning the internet or web sites often will not work and it can make a child feel less able to report a problem or concern, so education around safe use is essential.

Get Safe Online Websites to visit for more information:

WWW.THINKUKNOW.CO.UK – Visit the "Parent/Carer" Section 

WWW.CHILDNET.COM – Visit the 'Know It All' Section for an interactive guide about online safety

WWW.GETSAFEONLINE.ORG – Free Security advice including using complex passwords and managing hacked accounts

WWW.CEOP.POLICE.UK and use the "Click CEOP" reporting button

Extremism and Radicalisation

'Extremism' is a belief in and support for ideas that are very far from what most people consider correct or reasonable. It may include values and ideologies which may well be legal, but which could place people on a course towards supporting illegal, violent extremist views.

'Radicalisation' is the process by which a person comes to support terrorism and extremist ideologies associated with terrorist groups. Children and young people have a natural curiosity which, as parents, we want to encourage. However, as our children grow up we have to take different steps to ensure their safety.

Currently a number of young people have been persuaded to leave the country against the wishes of their families, or in secret, putting themselves in extreme danger. As a parent you may be worried about how extremism and radicalisation might affect your child. The following information may be useful in recognising the signs and supporting your child.

CLICK HERE FOR THE DFE'S PREVENT GUIDANCE 

CLICK HERE FOR THE PARENTS' GUIDE TO EXTREMISM AND RADICALISATION 

CLICK HERE FOR THE DFE'S USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA IN RADICALISATION 

CLICK HERE FOR THE DFE'S EDUCATION AGAINST HATE

CLICK HERE FOR CHANNEL PROGRAMME GUIDANCE