E-Safety - Information for parents and carers
Keeping children safe on-line
e-Safety is an important part of keeping children safe at Marland School. We have extensive security measures in place, which are monitored both internally and externally, to help safeguard pupils from potential dangers or unsuitable material. Any e-Safety incidents are recorded and managed in accordance with our e-Safety Policy. e-Safety is taught to all pupils explaining and demonstrating how to stay safe and behave appropriately online.
We can only be successful in keeping children safe online if we work with parents to ensure the e-Safety message is consistent. It is important that parents speak to their children about how they can keep safe and behave appropriately online.
It’s essential to be realistic – banning the internet or technology will not work and it often makes a child less likely to report a problem. Education around safe use is essential.
These five guiding principles may help you and your child develop a positive and safe means of making the most of the virtual world:
Prioritise Safety
Teach children not to give out personal information, like their name, address, telephone number, or the school they go to.
Set Parental Controls
Agree on a list of websites your child is allowed to visit and remember to check the minimum age limit on services like Facebook and YouTube.
Discuss Their Activity
Take an interest in their online world. Talk to them about their favourite websites, videos, and their online friends.
Set Boundaries
Establish time limits for activities such as using the internet and games consoles. Make sure to set aside time for “unplugged” family activity.
Be Open
Let them know that they can tell you about anything that happens on the internet and that you’ll listen without judgement.
Search Engines
Please note that no search engine is ever 100% safe but below provides some links to some “safer” search engines:
Research searching
Google offers a safer search option for children searching on the Internet. Click here to read more.
Image searching
Gaming
When children are accessing games via:
Xbox LIVE: Xbox Online Safety
Playstation Network: PlayStation Safety for Parents
Websites for more information
CEOP (The Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre) delivers a multi-agency service dedicated to tackling the abuse and exploitation of children in the real and ‘e’ world. Often it is referred to as an online 999. By clicking on the button, young people and parents can get advice on a range of issues such as viruses, hacking and dealing with bullying online.
Childnet gives you lots of advice on how to stay safe online.
Other Useful Websites to Help Children and Parents with Advice and Reporting
ThinkUKnow - https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk
Internet Matters – https://www.internetmatters.org
UK Safer Internet Centre – https://www.saferinternet.org.uk
At any time and for any reason, if a child is feeling unsafe Childline is there to listen and to help.
A to E-Safety Charter
Always protect yourself online
Be aware:
-there is a lot of fake news;
-people online may not be who they say they are;
-if you feel bullied, threatened or inappropriate language is used, you must tell an adult.
Check your privacy settings:
– limit what information people can access about you;
– remember that what you do online stays online;
– always log out when you are finished what you are doing.
Don’t reveal personal information or passwords:
– never tell anyone your passwords and change them regularly, always look for the lock icon;
– never meet up with anyone you have met online;
– never share photos or videos of yourself.
Enjoy being a responsible online citizen!