e-Safety:
e-safety is electronic safety for children and it can be associated with Internet safety but also other forms of electronic communications via mobile phones, games consoles and wireless technology. It is important to educate students about the benefits, risks and responsibilities of using such technology. The following information is designed to inform and enable young people to manage the potential risks of living in a digital world.
If a student is upset by anything they have viewed on the Internet, or are the subject of bullying then the student or parent/carer should contact the Academy immediately to discuss the matter.
What can you do to help? You can help protect your son/daughter by following the guidance below:
· Keep a watchful eye on Internet use including Email & Chat.
· Check the history folder of your Internet browser to check what sites have been accessed.
· Use a child friendly search engine – Yahooligans or Ask Jeeves for Kids etc.
· Use IE Content Supervisor – only blocks participating sites.
· Consider purchasing filter software.
· Consider using a different browser – Firefox.
· Protect your PC with firewall/antivirus software.
· Enable strict safe searching on search engine.
Helpful Links:
Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (CEOP) - www.thinkuknow.co.uk - An excellent site providing information on child abuse and other related issues. Parents and children are able to report attempts at grooming to the global taskforce.
Childnet International - www.childnet-int.org - A non profit organisation working with others to “help make the Internet a great and safe place for children”. The site contains excellent Internet safety information for parents and children.Action for Children (formally NCH) - www.actionforchildren.org.uk - Lots of useful information to keep your children safe online.
Common Sense Media - Common Sense is the nation's leading nonprofit organisation dedicated to improving the lives of all kids and families by providing the trustworthy information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive in the 21st century. https://www.commonsensemedia.org/
Bullying Online - www.bullying.co.uk - Advice on what to do if you think your child is being bullied.
Childnet International - www.kidsmart.org.uk - Interactive resource dealing with the main causes for concern.
Using Facebook Safely - www.connectsafely.org/guides-2 - This website has useful information relating to Facebook and internet safety.
Student Guidance:
1. Never post your personal information, such as a mobile phone number, home address, or the name of your school.
2. Be aware that information you give out through social networking sites, instant messages, e-mails, and blogs could put you at risk of bullying or harassment
3. Never meet in person with anyone you first “met” online. Some people may not be who they say they are.
4. Remember that posting information about your friends could put them at risk.
5. Never respond to harassing or rude texts, messages, and e-mails. Delete any unwanted messages or friends who continuously leave inappropriate comments.
6. Never give out your password to anyone other than your parent or carer.
7. If you would not say something to another person’s face, do not post it online!
8. Only add people as friends to your site if you know them in real life.
9. Think before posting your photos. DO NOT post or send semi-nude or nude pictures of yourself or anyone else! Personal photos should not have revealing information such as school names or location.
10. Use the privacy settings of the social networking sites.
Further Useful Contacts:
NSPCC (National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children): nspcc.org.uk
ChildLine: childline.org.uk Contact: 0800 1111
Finally, do not let any of the above information put you off using the Internet; the benefits far outweigh the dangers. However, it is a balance between keeping safe, taking responsible action and using all forms of social media in a wise manner.