Today’s pupils are growing up in an increasingly complex world, living their lives seamlessly on and offline. This presents many positive and exciting opportunities, but also challenges and risks. We strive to prepare and educate our pupils about how to use the internet safely and responsibly.
At school, we take continual steps to ensure that children are kept safe while using the internet and electronic communication. We use targeted filtering to prevent access to websites that are not suitable or may be dangerous. Internet access is supervised and we monitor the websites that are accessed.
We use a controlled email system where we monitor the children’s emails and we limit the addresses that children can communicate with. These steps are taken to protect the children from unsuitable emails and identify possible cyberbullying.
We teach online safety through both our Computing and Breakout curriculums. As part of mandatory RHSE (Relationship, Health and Sex Education) in primary schools, pupils are taught about online safety in an age-appropriate way.
In primary school, children are taught:
Parents can have a difficult job keeping up with their children on the fast changing technology available to them, let alone knowing the dangers they face. The issues of safety, privacy, online predators or grooming and cyberbullying are sometimes complex, both technically and psychologically and parents can struggle to keep up.
It is important that children realise that all actions have consequences, and in the case of social media, comments and images that could cause offense can remain online for years to come. What is considered a harmless, throwaway statement or joke today could have serious implications in later life. Children need to be aware that the information and pictures that they see on-line may not be genuine pictures of the person they are communicating with and they should not share any personal information on-line.
To help parents we have put together a selection of links to websites that will help them to ensure that their children can reap the benefits of the Internet while staying safe.
All of the big internet providers can enable internet filtering help you protect your children from unsuitable websites. The link below from Safer Internet provides information about filtering your home internet connection. But you should remember that your child may have access to the internet on their mobile device or by connecting to other wireless services.
Click the link to find out more about Setting Parental Controls
The increase of mobile phone technology and social media sites such as Facebook have given children a forum of communication that can occasionally be abused. Whilst communication that occurs outside of the school day cannot be effectively policed by us, we would ask for parental support in ensuring:
If you or your child have any concerns regarding social media and the pitfalls, there are some useful websites recommended by the Department for Education that can give further advice. Please see the links at the bottom of this page.
There is also lots of useful information regarding the internet provided on the Governments recommended site, CEOP. The site is run in conjunction with the National Police forces of the UK and gives a lot of information on how you can protect your child from internet abuse. Click here for further links: http://www.ceop.police.uk/
Snapchat: Age Limit 13: A way of sending messages, videos and pictures. These messages are only displayed for a pre-set amount of time before they delete themselves. The person sending the message chooses how long the message displays for. The person receiving the message can, however, take a screen shot - this allows them to use the message or image in any way they want.
Instagram: Age Limit 13: Users can upload and share photos. Other people can then leave comments. The privacy settings allow pictures only to be seen by approved followers. If these settings are not switched on, then all users can view the pictures. Young people should also be advised that they should not turn on the 'geotagging' feature which allows others to know where the pictures were taken.
Thinkuknow is the education programme from NCA-CEOP, a UK organisation which protects children both online and offline.
Visit WebsiteA comprehensive web resource with a wide array of tips and advice on how to navigate the online world with your child.
Internet MattersCommon Sense Media rates movies, TV shows, podcasts, books, and more so families can feel good about the entertainment choices they make for their kids. They offer the largest, most trusted library of independent age-based ratings and reviews.
https://www.commonsensemedia.org/National College’s mission is to make the internet a safer place for children. They aim to do this by equipping school staff, parents and children with the knowledge they need to understand online dangers and how best to react should an incident arise. The link above provides up to date information about a wide variety of social media apps and platforms your child might be using.
National Online SafetyThe BBC have a website and app called Own It. The website has a lot of content for children to help them navigate their online lives, and the free smartphone app comes with a special keyboard which can intervene with help and support in the moments that children need it the most.
BBCWe know our children take part in online safety and digital literacy lessons regularly, however we think it is equally important to help you as parents and carers at home too. Parents often express that they would like some hints and tips surrounding online safety and internet usage.
As a school, we send out weekly handy help sheets which cover a range of different online topics, popular apps and websites. These are in the form of a ‘Wake Up Wednesday’, also known as WUW. #wakeupwednesdays
At Eppleton, the lead person for online safety and computing is: Miss Defty. If you have any concerns or queries please contact her or another member of the senior leadership team in school.
Assistant Headteacher/ Teacher / Maths Lead/ Computing Lead/ DDSL
Enjoy travelling, visiting new countries. I am a football fan, supporting Sunderland and enjoy going to gigs.
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