The internet is an incredible tool which has led to huge shifts in the way we live and work. However, ensuring our students know how to stay safe online is crucial. This learning is delivered through our PSHE and IT curriculums and through special events like Online Safety Day. E-safety and security is built into the safeguarding culture of the school. We focus on the 4Cs of content, contact, conduct and commerce to support students in being discerning about what they are engaging with online.
Advice to Parents and Carers
We actively encourage families to talk about online safety and for parents to monitor screen and online time at home. Devices for home use will have parental controls which serve to restrict access to age-inappropriate material.
We recognise that it is not always easy to talk to young people about cyber bullying, sexting, pornography or risk-taking behaviour online. However, an open dialogue is likely to encourage them to share any concerns they may have. To support this, the school works closely with Souster Youth, a charitable organisation which works with us to support parents in confronting these challenging issues.
The website Internet Matters provides guidance about how to report an online incident.
For further information or guidance, the following websites are useful:
CEOP - Police safety centrePublic WiFi | Friendly WiFi | United Kingdom
Information, Advice and Support to Keep Children Safe Online (internetmatters.org)