The Internet has become an integral part of children's lives, enabling them to undertake research for school projects, talk to their friends and access information from around the world. Increasing provision of the Internet in and out of schools brings with it the need to ensure that learners are safe.
Internet development is constantly evolving into ever more innovative areas with many websites enabling amazing creativity and interaction between peers. Unfortunately, there are times when internet use can have a negative effect on children. Young people and parents should be aware of the potential dangers, taking measures to ensure safe usage by all. This area of the school website is dedicated to helping users better understand the issues around e-safety and manage the risks more effectively.
Safeguarding
We have put a number of safeguards in place to ensure that the material students access via computers, mobile phones, websites etc. are safe and those students are aware of the dangers and what to do if they are concerned.
- All students and parents/carers sign a consent form before being allowed access to the Internet.
- Students can still access a very limited number of known safe sites (e.g. BBC) but higher-level access is only granted after a signed consent form has been seen.
- A comprehensive e-Safety policy is in place which gives guidance to staff, students and parents.
- e-Safety posters are displayed throughout the school, in particular in I.C.T. classrooms.
- Mobile telephones should not be out or used between 8.45 and 15.30.
- Students study e-Safety as part of their formal lessons.
What can parents/carers do to help children keep safe online?
Follow the “Golden Rules”
- Discuss together as a family how the Internet will be used in your house. Consider what information should be kept private (such as personal information, photos in school uniform etc) and decide rules for making and meeting online friends. Ensure your children know the risks of accepting friends’ requests from strangers online and make sure you know what your child is doing online, much as you would offline.
- Discuss using strong passwords with your child so they understand how they can protect their online accounts. Talk about keeping passwords safe e.g. not sharing them with anyone or using 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. For more advice on using strong passwords visit:
- Consider locating your child’s computers and laptops in a family area but be aware that children access the Internet on mobile phones, games consoles and tablets so can’t always be supervised.
- Be especially aware of settings rules relating to your child’s use of webcams and any applications or devices which allow voice or video chat. Childnet has useful information for young people about using webcams safely:
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 from unknown people. Research different parental control software and tools available for your home and select the tools which are most suitable to you, your child and the technology in your home. Visit these sites, below, for safety information and advice about parental controls on consoles and devices and how to report concerns:
- Make sure you read any parental guidance and safety recommendations (including age requirements – most popular social networking sites and apps are only for users aged 13+, 16+ or 18+) for any apps or websites before allowing your child to use them. Visit: Net-Aware
- 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.
Listen
- Take an active interest in your child’s life online and talk openly with them about the things they do. 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.
- To start a conversation with your child - you could tell them that you understand that some young people share images and videos online and that you’re interested to know what they think about it and how they think they can keep themselves safe.
Dialogue – Keep Talking
- Ensure that your child knows that once a picture, video or comment is sent or posted online, then it can be very difficult to remove as other people can forward it and share it with others, without them even knowing.
- The below websites have some really useful tips and ideas for parents/carers about starting conversations about online safety
- Always ensure your child knows how to report and block people online who may send nasty or inappropriate messages or content. Encourage your child not to retaliate or reply to cyberbullying 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.
Remember, the Internet is an essential part of young people’s lives and provides them with tremendous opportunities. The vast majority use it without coming to any harm so 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.
Websites to visit for more information
- Visit the “Parent/Carer” Section and use the “Click CEOP” button to seek advice and report online abuse
- Visit the ‘Know It All’ Section for an interactive guide about online safety
- Free up-to-date Security advice including using complex passwords and managing hacked accounts
- Information from the four largest Internet service providers (BT, Sky, Talk Talk and Virgin)
- NSPCC’s Share Aware campaign provides information for parents about popular social media sites, apps and games.
- Parents guides to safety tools on popular devices and signposts report mechanisms for some websites.
National Online Safety Mobile App
Children are spending more time than ever online. As adults, we need to do everything
we can to keep them safe in the digital world. But with new apps, games and
platforms emerging every day, how can you stay in the know?
Say hello to the new National Online Safety mobile application. Created by experts, developed by us.
With all online safety knowledge available at your fingertips, the NOS app empowers parents and teachers to understand and address online safeguarding risks – any time, anywhere.
The world’s most comprehensive online safety app, it’s packed with insightful courses, explainer videos, webinars and guides on topics that will help you protect the kids you care about when they’re online.
Concern
If you are worried that your child is at risk of harm or criminal offence has been committed then you can report your concerns to the Police or Children’s Social Care. Please do not notify suspicious profiles of your actions, as this could enable them to delete material which might be required for any Police investigations. You can contact Kent Police via 101 or 999 if there is immediate risk or report online abuse to CEOP by visiting the CEOP website linked below and using the “Click CEOP” reporting button. You can also contact Kent Children’s Social Services on 03000 41 11 11, or email.
For information and reporting regarding safety online click the link below.
The Schools Designated Safeguarding Team are available to discuss any help you may need or concerns that you may have.