Online Safety
Online Safety refers to child protection and safeguarding of both children and adults in the digital world. It is about learning to understand and use technologies in a safe, positive way, also about supporting children and adults to develop safe online behaviours (both in and out of school). The Internet is part of children’s lives these days. It offers lots of educational opportunities, helps them keep in touch with friends and family and opens up a world of information and experiences. Whether on a computer at school, a laptop at home, a tablet, a games console or mobile phone, children are increasingly accessing the Internet in a variety of ways.
At Mead Vale we know how much our children enjoy using IT and how it can help them to learn in lots of ways. We want them to be confident and safe users of the Internet and of new technology as it develops. It’s impossible to avoid the internet today and we wouldn’t want to stop anyone using it as it offers lots of opportunities and information. Our aim has to be teaching children to use it in the safest way possible.
For more information on how to stay safe both online and as a parent supporting your child to be safe online please follow the link below
What is Online Safety?
Online Safety refers to child protection and safeguarding of both children and adults in the digital world. It is about learning to understand and use technologies in a safe, positive way, also about supporting children and adults to develop safe online behaviours (both in and out of school). The Internet is part of children’s lives these days. It offers lots of educational opportunities, helps them keep in touch with friends and family and opens up a world of information and experiences. Whether on a computer at school, a laptop at home, a tablet, a games console or mobile phone, children are increasingly accessing the Internet in a variety of ways.
As part of our safeguarding commitment we have a designated Online Safety Lead, who has responsibility for leading our online safety committee of staff and governors. As a group we review information and develop safe practices within the school. Part of our role is also to ensure parents are kept informed of school policy.
Ensuring that our children know how to report issues regarding Online Safety is very important and as parents/carers you are often their first line of defence. The children in school know how to report issues to all staff and they also know that they should talk to you if ever there is something they are unhappy with.
We use the phrase:
STOP WALK TELL
Stop - Stop what you are doing on your device
Walk - Walk with your device to a trusted adult
Tell - Tell your trusted adult what has happened and show them your device
Useful website links
There are many useful websites that can help both adults and children including teaching children about online safety and correct internet use. Follow the links below to find more help.
Supporting young people online
Reporting harmful experiences
If you have experienced or witnessed harm online, ‘Report Harmful Content’ can help you to report harmful content online by providing up-to-date information on community standards and direct links to the correct reporting facilities across multiple platforms.
There are eight harms which you can report on: threats, impersonation, bullying/harassment, self-harm/suicide content, online abuse, violent content, unwanted sexual advances and pornographic content. Read more in detail: https://reportharmfulcontent.com/harms/
For under 18’s, there is a child friendly advice page. Please go to: https://reportharmfulcontent.com/child/
We've added some helpful guides below to some popular online games and apps as well as some general advice which should apply to all of us when going online.
Online safety parent factsheet
Online safety conversation starters
Children and young people
We take the online safety of all of our children very seriously. We teach the SMART rules for staying safe online and ask that each of our children sign an ICT SMART user agreement.
Always be careful when you are using the internet. It can help you to keep in touch with your friends and help your education – but it can also cause harm – to you and to others.
Remember help is always available at school if you are having any problems online.
Don’t be afraid to talk to your teacher or another adult at school.
If you or anyone you know is worried about Child Exploitation, Online Protection or anything related to Internet safety please click the link below which will take you to the CEOP reporting website:
Helpful links to look at with your family
Tips for staying safe online:
- Make sure you keep new online friends strictly online. If someone you don't know asks to be your online friend you must ensure an adult knows about it.
- Know how to use the CEOP Button and how to report it to the CEOP Centre if you are concerned about someone’s online behaviour towards you.
