Online Safety

Online safetyAt Stockham Primary School, pupils use the Internet on a regular basis as part of their learning. It both empowers pupils to be independent and widens their understanding of the world around them and future possibilities. However, it is important that pupils have a secure and thorough understanding of how to keep themselves safe when working online. Through our computing curriculum, pupils from Foundation and Year 6 learn about how to engage and use the internet and devices safely following the National curriculum and using JIGSAW and Computing planning. We also revisit online safety through Anti-bullying week, Safer Internet Day and regular safeguarding assemblies both whole school and within Key Stages.
 

Pupils are taught how to be SMART online and understand the expectations and rules when working online. This is also supported by ensuring filters in school are robust and monitored regularly.

It is important that both at home and at school children are supported in keeping themselves safe when on devices. With an increase in pupils’ online engagement through phones, games, social media and different devices, empowering pupils in knowing the rules, boundaries and what is and is not safe has never been more important.

A family agreement is a good way to start a conversation as a whole family about how the internet should be used safely and responsibly when online at home, at school or at a friend’s house.

The internet and especially what is trending changes so rapidly and can be a challenge to keep up with. Please find below some key information and links to support with the latest updates:

Whatsapp has an age guidance of 16.

Keep your computer in a shared area – Talk to your child about what they are doing online and, if possible, set up your computer in a shared area at home so that you can all share in the wonderful sites that are available online.

 

Useful Links

Think U Know – containing internet safety advice for those aged from 5 to 16, along with parents and teachers, this site is produced by CEOP (the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre).
‘Digital Parenting’ magazine from Vodafone has lots of fantastic practical advice for parents.
Kidsmart – An award-winning internet safety programme for children.
Know IT All – lots of useful advice for keeping yourselves and your children safe on the Internet.
Bullying UK – Information and advice about bullying for children, parents and schools.
Kidscape – An organisation that helps to prevent bullying and child abuse.
Childline – ChildLine is a free helpline for children and young people in the UK.

For advice and support on setting up parental controls, adjusting privacy settings, understanding social networks and more check out the links below or call the NSPCC online safety advice helpline 0808 800 5002 – Lines are open from 9am – 7pm, Monday to Friday and 10am – 6pm on weekends. All calls are free of charge.

www.nspcc.org.uk/onlinesafety
www.nspcc.org.uk/SHAREAWARE
www.nspcc.org.uk/underwear-rule