Online Safety
KEEPING YOUR CHILDREN SAFE ONLINE
The internet is essential in 21st century life for education, business and social interaction. As children move up through the school their access to various types of technology increases and it stands to reason that their exploration and curiosity increases too. The positives of the digital world overwhelmingly outweigh the negatives but children, schools and parents all need to be aware of various online risks. Our monthly online safety newsletters are a valuable source of information. They are shared with the school newsletter and are available in the "files" section at the foot of this page.
HOW WE ENSURE YOUR CHILD IS SAFE WHEN USING ONLINE CONTENT IN SCHOOL
In school, we use SurfProect Quantum to filter children's accress to the internet. SurfProtect Quantum automatically implements a default filtering policy which prevents access to the most commonly-blocked web categories. This provides the school with an instant degree of protection which covers content and communication advised by the UK Safer Centre as being the minimum restrictions a school should enact. This profile is then developed further to create a bespoke filtering policy that is perfect for our own school, allowing us to restrict inappropriate material in a matter of minutes and blocking it immediately to ensure pupils' continued online safety.
What if inapprorpriate content is accessed?
Children in school are well-trained on what to do should innappropriate conent get through. On the very rare occassion that this has happened, pupils have immediately turned off the monitor, leaving the content on the PC and have alterted a member of staff. Staff are then able to access the conent and block it . Furthermore, a weekly report allows senior leaders to monitor search conent and identify any illicit searches and pinpoint the user.
Further information about the SurfProtect Quantum Filtering System can be found in the files section below.
When should I report to CEOP?
CEOP help children stay safe online. Has someone acted inappropriately towards you online, or to a child or young person you know? You can report it CEOP by clicking the icon above.
Remember, if you need immediate help, call 999
Copies of the current and previous online safety newsletters are available at the bottom of the page under 'files'
Here is an example of some of the work we have completed for Safer Internet Day 2022 - Respect and Relationships Online.
Below is some information for parents on current games and apps.
Online Safety - DfE Guidance
Updated guidance for parents (22nd February 2021) from the DfE includes the following information:
Is my child at additional risk while spending more time online?
While there are huge benefits to being online to stay connected to family and friends during this period, the government recognises many parents feel concerned about the activities and content their children are accessing. This guidance outlines resources to help keep children safe from different risks online and where to go to get support and advice.
Where can I go to get support to help keep my child safe online?
There is support available to keep your child safe online. You can access further information on keeping children safe online.
Here are some useful links to help parents and carers.
Thinkuknow provides advice from the National Crime Agency (NCA) to stay safe online
to help families manage during this time, the NCA has launched Thinkuknow: home activity packs, a set of fun, engaging activities based on Thinkuknow cartoons, films, games, and advice articles
a new activity sheet for each age group will be published on the Thinkuknow website every 2 weeks while schools are closed - these activities offer a great opportunity to help you keep up positive, supportive conversations about online safety in your home
Parent Info is a collaboration between Parentzone and the NCA providing support and guidance for parents from leading experts and organisations
Childnet provides a tool kit to support parents and carers of children of any age to start discussions about their online life, to set boundaries around online behaviour and technology use, and to find out where to get more help and support
Internet Matters provides age-specific online safety checklists, guides on how to set parental controls on a range of devices and a host of practical tips to help children get the most out of their digital world
LGfL provides support for parents and carers to keep their children safe online, including 6 top tips to keep primary aged children safe online
Net Aware provides support for parents and carers from the NSPCC, providing a guide to social networks, apps and games
Let's Talk About It provides support for parents and carers to keep children safe from online radicalisation
UK Safer Internet Centre provides tips, advice, guides and resources to help keep children safe online, including parental controls offered by home internet providers and safety tools on social networks and other online services
Staying Safe Online provides government guidance offering advice on parental controls, fact-checking information, communicating with family and friends while social distancing is in place and taking regular breaks
