E-Safety
The internet has become an integral part of all our lives. Both adults and children access the World Wide Web as part of our work and social activity and developments in technology enable us to be in touch every hour of the day, wherever we are. The internet has become a place where we can share our thoughts, our pictures and keep up with our friends and families. Unfortunately, as with many things, the internet is open to misuse which can have a negative effect on anyone involved, therefore safe and appropriate use of digital technology is the way forward.
There are plenty of resources and websites available offering advice to parents on how your children can stay safe when using the internet and social media. Please use the links and icons below to view these resources:
The online world can be a bit overwhelming at times but it is important we understand what our children are doing online so we can help make them
safer. The Safer Schools App aims to help with this.
We are delighted to invite you to download our new Safer Schools App provided by our school insurance provider Zurich Municipal. The App is designed to support and protect children by educating and empowering them both at school and at home. Through their log-in, your children get access to information that is relevant to them and you will receive tips and advice on how to keep them safer online.
To download the app, please visit the app store and search ‘Safer Schools’ and register using the information shared.
Internet Safety Tips
There are practical approaches to minimise the risk of your children becoming unsafe online which include locating the computer in a commonly used area of your home (instead of your child’s bedroom) and by talking about the dangers and how to keep safe online and spend time together using the internet. There is the option to use parental control software as well.
- Encourage your children to keep themselves and their friends safe – think before passing on pictures of other people, telephone numbers and email addresses
- Keep passwords and PINs secret – do not share with anyone
- Keep mobile phones hidden
- Think of consequences – once the information is out there it is beyond your control
- Keep it legal – downloading copyrighted music and films and harrassing others is illegal if you receive a rude or embarrassing message – do not pass it on
- Report abuse – become familiar with the CEOP Report Abuse button and teach your children on how to use the systems for reporting concerns on other websites.
Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying is bullying that takes place using technology. Whether on social media sites, through a mobile phone, or gaming sites, the effects can be devastating for the young person involved. There are ways to help prevent a child from being cyber bullied and to help them cope and stop the bullying if it does happen.
- Encourage your children to always respect others – be careful with what they say online and what images they send
- Tell them to think before they send – whatever they send can be made public very quickly and could stay online forever
- Remind them to keep their passwords safe – keep it to themselves and do not share it
- Tell them to only give their mobile number or personal website address to trusted friends
- Teach them how to block or report someone who is behaving badly – do not retaliate or reply
- Show them how to keep records of offending messages, pictures or online conversations – saving evidence
- Encourage them to tell a trusted adult if they fell they are being bullied online
