GUIDELINES ON STUDENTS’ USE OF THE INTERNET

The Internet is a very valuable and effective way for students to search for information and to communicate with others, and has become part of our everyday lives. There are, however, dangers which students do not by any means always recognise. We educate students about the safe use of the Internet during mentor time and elsewhere, but we count on parents need to reinforce the messages at home. Please stress particularly the need to be aware of the potential for social network sites to be used to cause hurt and distress to others – i.e. cyber-bullying.

As in most schools, computer games and social networking sites pose problems. Some students find it difficult to self-regulate their use and parents need to be vigilant in ensuring that their sons and daughters do not stay up half the night online. We suggest that students do not have ‘closed access’ (i.e. a computer in their room or phone by their bed) but that they use these items for an agreed amount of time in an open area of the house.

• Never agree to meet anyone whom you have encountered on line online. You cannot know that they really are who they say they are. If in doubt discuss it with your parents.

• Think very carefully before posting personal information, including photographs of yourself, on social networking sites. Is it suitable for public viewing? Never post other people’s personal information, and consider other people’s privacy and emotions when uploading pictures of others. Avoid webcam chat with people you don’t know, and don’t open or reply to emails from people you don’t know.

• Do not accept invitations to become ‘friends’ with people you do not know.

• Do not respond to abusive emails, and report any such emails to your parents or a teacher.

• Never share your password or use other people’s. Avoid easily guessable passwords such as your date of birth.

• You should block/report senders of inappropriate emails or messages. Use the Facebook report abuse link or similar. More guidance for parents and students can be found at www.thinkuknow.co.uk

• Contact the site administrator if you want something to be removed from a website.

• Be aware of the fact that when you forward an email or photograph you may be involving yourself in an incident of bullying or even breaking the law.

• If you are writing about another person online, perhaps on a social networking site, think carefully about how that person would feel if your comments became known to them. You are fully responsible for what you choose to say online. The school reserves the right to intervene in the case of inappropriate or hurtful internet comments made by one Ecolint student about another even if they occur off site, off the school system and out of the school day.

• Always ask for help from your parents or a teacher if you are unsure about anything that you find or are sent online.