Online Safety

Today, children across the world are able to play, share ideas, gather information and contribute to communities through on-line spaces. There are many ways in which advancing technology can enhance our students’ lives and allow them to grow and develop skills which will allow them to access employment opportunities, social connections, lifelong learning and independence.

As with any environment where children learn and play, there are hazards which present risks to their safety and well-being. As adults who support children, whether that be in a parenting, teaching or another capacity, it is important that we equip ourselves with the knowledge and skills to be able to support our children’s exploration of the world in a way that allows them to grow towards independence.

This page will introduce you to some of the knowledge and skills that help us to do that.

If you require further help and information that cannot be found on these pages, please contact your child’s Tutor in the first instance.

Mobile Devices in School

Students who arrive at school with a mobile phone will be expected to hand them in when they arrive. Phones will be stored in a locked cabinet. Only authorised staff will have access to the locked cabinet. Ideally, wherever possible, students will leave their mobile devices at home. Students’ phones will be returned at the end of the school day.

Useful Links & Resources

The UK Council for Internet Safety, in collaboration with a wide range of organisations, identifies eight key areas that children need to have an understanding of, in order to thrive in online spaces (Education for a Connected World – 2020 edition, UK Council for Internet Safety).

Please see the links below for advice and information relating to these areas:

Self-image and identity

https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/talking-child-online-safety/

https://www.internetmatters.org/issues/self-harm/

https://www.childnet.com/help-and-advice/supporting-young-people-with-send-online/

Online relationships

https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/social-media/

https://www.internetmatters.org/resources/teens-and-online-dating-advice-hub-for-parents/

https://www.internetmatters.org/resources/online-gaming-advice/

Online reputation

https://www.internetmatters.org/issues/online-reputation/

https://www.internetmatters.org/issues/online-hate/