ONLINE SAFETY

The online world and its effective use is an important part of learning across the curriculum. We know that there are many benefits for our young people in using technology  to enhance their understanding of the world and how they interact with one another. We also recognise that unmediated access brings with it the possibility of placing pupils in embarrassing, inappropriate and challenging situations.

At Sefton Park, we place a high emphasis on all our pupils being digitally aware citizens. We teach specific online safety lessons as part of our computing curriculum and we have a range of security measures to ensure all pupils are safeguarded. Any online safety incidents are recorded in line with our  policy. 

All our junior children have to agree to the Pupil Acceptable Use Agreement before being allowed to use the computers in school. All our staff have to agree and sign a Computing Code of conduct to comply with school expectations.

 LEARNING ABOUT ONLINE SAFETY AT HOME

It is also important to recognise that e-Safety is a whole school community safeguarding responsibility and we are committed to helping parents/carers in supporting their children use the internet in a safe and rewarding way. 

It is very important that our families understand how to stay safe online and how to teach their children about the importance of being safe online.

If you feel concerned, or wish to ensure that your child feels safe whilst using the Internet, there are several things you can do, such as:

- Create an honest and open dialogue about the Internet and using different devices.

- Show children you trust them and they can trust you to understand that mistakes will be made and solutions can be found.

- If your child wants to use a new device, app or website, talk it through and agree rules together.

The online world develops very quickly and is constantly changing. We periodically update parents with advice on particular apps, social media, websites or games. Some of this information can be found at the links below.

If you have any questions or concerns about online safety, please speak to our online safety lead Emily Shuker or contact the office.

Below are some useful links to help parents and carers:

• Thinkuknow (advice from the National Crime Agency to stay safe online)
• Internet matters (support for parents and carers to keep their children safe online)
• Parent info (support for parents and carers to keep their children safe online)
• LGfL (support for parents and carers to keep their children safe online)
• Net-aware (support for parents and carers from the NSPCC)
• Let’s Talk About It (support for parents and carers to keep children safe from online radicalisation)
• UK Safer Internet Centre (tips, advice, guides)