ONLINE SAFETY
At Monega, we believe that we need to prepare our pupils for the ever changing world of technology. The Internet is a very useful tool to enhance our pupils' education. With this in mind, we have embedded an effective approach to Online Safety that empowers our teachers to effectively educate pupils on their use of technology. Online Safety is an integral part of our pupil's education and is embedded in all areas of their learning at school.
We also want to empower our parents and children to develop their own understanding of online safety issues so that they can learn to use the Internet and all digital media in a safe and secure way.
You can download the DfE advice for parents on cyberbullying HERE
You can access the DfE online parents support website called Parent Info HERE
AT HOME
The internet can play an important part in children's development. Children use it to learn, play, socialise and express themselves. The internet is a highly creative platform full of amazing opportunities. However, internet usage also has its risks. We must educate children on how to use the internet safely, but also what to do if they feel unsafe. Children must know who the appropriate adults are that they can speak to.
Parents and carers should also filter the content that children are able to view online at home. Parents should contact internet providers directly if they are unsure of how to restrict internet access online.
Parents and carers must engage with their children regarding their use of the internet while at home. Here are some conversation starter ideas from www.childnet.com.
- Ask your children to tell you about the sites they like to visit and what they enjoy doing online.
- Ask them about how they stay safe online. What tips do they have for you, and where did they learn them? What is OK and not OK to share?
- Ask them if they know where to go for help, where to find the safety advice, privacy settings and how to report or block on the services they use.
- Encourage them to help. Perhaps they can show you how to do something better online or they might have a friend who would benefit from their help and support.
- Think about how you use the internet as a family. What could you do to get more out of the internet together and further enjoy your lives online?
Childnet also produce a leaflet for parents which you can download HERE.
As part of providing a broad and balanced curriculum, children are taught about online safety each year with special lessons to focus on how to keep safe online. As well as the stand alone lessons, children are also taught Online Safety throughout the various topics within the computing curriculum.
AT SCHOOL
As part of your child's curriculum and the development of computer skills, we provide access to the internet in teacher supervised lessons only. We strongly believe that the use of the web and email is hugely worthwhile and an essential tool for children as they grow up in the modern world. However, there are always concerns about children having access to undesirable materials, so we have taken positive steps to deal with this risk in school. Our school internet access provider operates a filtering system that restricts access to inappropriate materials.
At the start of the school year, each class discusses how to stay safe online and the potential dangers of the internet. Each child (from Year 1 to Year 6) is then required to sign an Acceptable Use Agreement to declare that they have read and understood our school's Online Safety rules.
Parents and carers should also filter the content that children are able to view online at home. Parents should contact internet providers directly if they are unsure of how to restrict internet access online.
Are you worried about your child spending too much time online?
The CEOP (Child Exploitation and Online Protection) is a law enforcement agency and is here to help keep children and young people safe online. They have created a video and series of resources to help parents teach online safety at home. Please have a look at the links below:-
This is a short video that provides parents and carers with:-
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Access their #OnlineSafetyAtHome pack with new activities for parents and carers to use at home:-