E-Safety

Staying Safe Online

 

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 evermore innovative areas with many websites enabling amazing creativity and interaction between peers.

 

Unfortunately though, there are times when Internet use can have a negative effect on children.  Schools should be aware of the potential dangers taking measures to ensure safe usage by all.  

This area of our school website is dedicated to helping users better understand the issues around online safety and manage the risks more effectively.

Our Online Safety Curriculum:

 

Children learn about E Safety from Reception to Year 6 weekly in their Jigsaw lessons.  In addition to the E-Safety is the first unit in all year groups computing curriculum each year and is discussed at several points throughout the year.

In addition, the following links will provide you with a wealth of valuable information on how to keep your child safe online:

• NSPCC Shareaware – Straightforward, no-nonsense advice will untangle the web, and show you how you can be just as great a parent online, as you are the rest of the time. The internet is a great place for children to be. Being Share Aware makes it safer.
• ThinkuKnow – Guide to internet safety and safe surfing for young people from Think U Know. Learn about online safety when using blogs, chatting and online gaming.
• CEOP – Works across the UK and maximises international links to tackle child sex abuse; includes information and advice for parents, news, and a facility to report abuse.
• Childnet – Childnet International is a registered UK charity that aims to make the internet a safe place for children and young people.
• Kidsmart – Learn about the internet and being a SMART surfer.
• BBC – CBBC Stay Safe – Test your internet safety knowledge with Hacker, listen to some Stay Safe songs with Helen Skelton, News Kids On the Block and Bobby Lockwood and get some tips from the Horrible Histories gang.
• Disney Online – Keep safe with Doug…find out lots of useful information.

 

Parent and Carer Online Toolkit (Childnet) is now available and can be found by clicking on the link below. Childnet have updated their parent and carer toolkit that will help parents have conversations about online safety. Their booklet 'Let's talk about life online' includes ten key messages that should be shared with children:

 

1. "You can always come to me if you need help."

 

2. "What would you do if this happened…?"

 

3. "Remember that not everyone is who they say they are online."

 

4. "Keep your personal information safe, and other people’s too."

 

5. "Be respectful to others online."

 

6. "Think before you post."

 

7. "Remember to ask if it’s okay."

 

8. "Remember not everything is true online."

 

9. "The things other people post online might not always show what their life is really like."

 

10. "Recognise how going online makes you feel and take a break when you need to."

 

The Parent and Carer Toolkit can be found here: https://www.childnet.com/parents-and-carers/parent-and-carer-toolkit

CEOP 

CEOP (Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre) is a part of the Police Service which helps children stay safe online. If you feel uncomfortable or know someone who has also been made to feel uncomfortable when using the internet, you can report it to CEOP. 

 

Online Content - commonsensemedia.org

We understand that it can be difficult to keep up with technology, often with new applications, games and online content being published every single day. Whilst we don't want to limit a child from exploring and learning from online content, it is important to understand the suitability of the content that they may access. 

 

We recently found a great resource that we want to share with you, and that is www.commonsensemedia.org/.

 

This website provides a collection of reviews from other parents and educators that will help you to understand what kind of content your child may be looking at. Whether it is a game, an application, a website, book, music or film this site can show you what is suitable for your child, and what may not be suitable for their age. The website also hosts a whole range of advice for parents and is certainly worth a visit.

 

 

Parent Zone

"No-nonsense advice for parents. Check out our news, features, advice and reviews to help your child enjoy the good bits of the internet without letting the bad bits spoil their fun".

 

For the Parent Zone website, click here.

 

South West Grid for Learning

 

 

South West Grid for Learning (SWGfL) have been at the forefront of internet safety since 2003. They provide a safe gateway for our children to access the internet. They ensure everyone has a safer internet experience. 

Know It All

Know It All is a brilliant resource which has been put together by Childnet International, a charity devoted to keeping young people safe online. It is a fantastic resource for both children and parents. 

 

 

Childline 

 

Childline offers help to young people who are having problems of any sort. This can include: exam stress, neglect, alcoholism, family relationships, bullying, eating problems, homework and is there if you need to speak to someone. 

 

 

DANGERS AND AGE RESTRICTIONS OF GAMES

 

You are probably aware of the publicity surrounding the concerns for children who are spending time playing age inappropriate. Although gaming is extremely popular and can provide a fun and social form of entertainment, often encouraging teamwork and cooperation when played with others, it should be noted that games listed as suitable for over 18s could cause lasting emotional/psychological damage and behavioural issues in younger children. Games of this nature could contain any of the following elements:

• Violence
• Sexual activity or sexual innuendo
• Nudity
• Bad language
• Gambling
• Promotion or use of drugs
• Promotion of alcohol or tobacco
• Scary scenes

 

Sometimes children are playing these games when away form the family home, whilst visiting friends/relatives. 

 

For your information, I have included the age recommendations for the games listed below:

• Call Of Duty – 18+
• Halo Reach –16+
• Minecraft – 7+ (But be careful about communication with strangers via this game)
• Clash Of Clans –13+ 
• Club Penguin- 3+
• Age of Empires Online –12+ 
• Eve Online –12+
• Grand theft auto –18+
• Far Cry-18+
• Battlefield-18+
• Red Dead Redemption-18+
• World Of Warcraft –18+
• Game of war-18+

 

Useful Sites

Below are links to a list of websites that will help you and your children understand the importance of staying safe online.