E-Safety and Digital Wellbeing
Young people are growing up in a complex, digital world where the boundaries between online and offline are becoming progressively more blurred. Therefore, it is essential that we provide our pupils with the right skills and support them in making the right choices, when using technology.
Through a combination of ICT/Computing lessons, the PSHE and Empower programmes and assemblies, we develop our pupils' knowledge and capabilities to utilise technology safely and responsibly, to learn about the world, acquire new skills, create future opportunities and support their studies.
Safeguarding young people online
If you are concerned that someone has acted inappropriately towards your child online, you can click here to report this directly to CEOP.
Alternatively, visit the Thinkuknow website for practical information and guidance if you have concerns about your child and their safety online.
Please note: online bullying or other online concerns should not be reported to CEOP and children and young people should be directed to speak to an adult they trust, and/or referred to Childline, if they would like to speak to someone about how they are feeling.
Parenting in the digital age
We encourage parents and carers to maintain an open and honest dialogue with their children about their online lives. Unsure where to start? Thinkuknow’s Ask The Awkward resources help you to prepare for regular conversations with your child about online relationships and related topics. It also offers advice on how to keep conversations positive and what to do if your child tells you something that worries you.
We have also partnered with National Online Safety to provide free, high-quality resources for all parents and carers. The resources include specific parents and carers courses presented by Myleene Klass, online video resources and weekly guides covering a huge range of topics including online relationships, screen addiction, gambling and much more. Please email our E-Safety Lead, Meryem Brook to request access.
In addition, please feel free to download a copy of our Digital Parenting guide below written by Dr. Neelam Palmer.
E-Safety bulletins are also regularly included in the school newsletter to keep pupils, parents and staff up to date on latest online trends, awareness campaigns and safeguarding issues.
Useful Web Resources
Parent Info is a website for parents, covering all of the issues amplified by the internet. It provides support and advice to parents, with contributions from leading experts and organisations in matters related to young people and families in a digital world.
Internet Matters works collaboratively with industry partners such as BT, Sky, Google and BBC as well as leading experts, to offer parents practical advice and information to tackle online safety issues. It provides guidance on setting parental controls and filters plus reviews on the latest technology and apps.
Common Sense Media helps families make smart media choices. They offer a huge library of independent age-based and educational ratings and reviews for movies, games, apps, TV shows, websites, books, and music. Their Parent Concerns and Parent Blog help families understand and navigate the problems and possibilities of raising children in the digital age.
Advice for Pupils
CEOP is there to keep you and other young people safe from grooming or sexual abuse online. You can report directly to CEOP’s Safety Centre if something has happened online which has made you feel unsafe, scared or worried. This might be from someone you know in real life, or someone you have only ever met online. If you are in immediate danger, please call the police on 999 straight away. Please also tell an adult you trust who will be able to help you.
The Childline, Young Minds and The Mix websites all provide loads of useful information and practical advice for young people using technology. They all also offer free, confidential chat or helpline services for young people who need further support.
Not sure if it's bants or bullying? Feeling pressured to share online? Worried about online grooming? Visit the Digital Wellbeing pages on Firefly to find out more about these topics as well as tips for staying safe online, protecting your online reputation and how to spot fake news.
