As a school we take eSafety very seriously and are working together to educate our pupils on the importance of keeping themselves safe online and the dangers of cyberbullying. Esafety is woven into all computing sessions and at all times when computing equipment is used in other lessons. With the growing amount of technology being used, both at home and in school, I am sure you agree this is a high priority.
Effective eSafety can only happen if the message that we give to the children is consistent and we work together with you to provide the children with the same message. Swimming pools can be dangerous places, so we teach children to swim. Crossing the road can be dangerous, so we teach them safe ways to cross. Just because there are dangers we do not stop children from doing these things. We do not wish to stop children having access to the internet because, if used correctly and responsibly, the internet can be a wonderful place. Therefore, it is important that we teach children how to be responsible users of the internet in order to protect themselves.
In school we have a filter set which allows us to restrict the websites that the children have access to, as well as monitor their online activity in order to help to keep them safe online. We can prevent the majority of undesirable content from coming into your child's possession due to our generic filtering service. We also have posters in all classrooms that promote "SMART Internet Rules" to remind the children of five simple steps which they can take to keep themselves safe online.
There are also some other simple steps which you could take to help keep your child safe online:
Cyberbullying
Unfortunately, the internet can also be used negatively, especially when children are unsupervised. Cyberbullying can have the same devastating effects on a person as face-to-face bullying. It is a well-known fact that people become braver when they are able to communicate behind the safety of technology, often saying things to people that they would not normally say in a face-to-face situation. As a school we have a zero-tolerance approach to any form of bullying and take any allegations very seriously. If you suspect that your child is a victim of cyberbullying, or indeed involved in cyberbullying, please do not hesitate to contact the school.
In school we will continue to work to promote the importance of eSafety. In February each year we support Safer Internet Day, using this day to teach the children how they can use the internet safely and the benefits of using the internet. This day to focus on Esafety ensures clear and consistent messages about staying safe online are at the forefront of the children’s minds.
Should you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact myself or your class teacher.
Miss C Oliver
Computing Coordinator
If you or anyone you know is worried about Child Exploitation, Online Protection or anything related to Internet safety please click the link below which will take you to the CEOP reporting website: