Online Safety is about staying safe using any electronic device; this includes the use of the internet and also other means of communication using electronic media (eg text messages, gaming devices, email, and social networking sites etc). It can also be called ‘internet safety’ or ‘web safety’.
In practice, Online Safety is as much about behaviour as it is electronic security. Online Safety can be defined in three principal areas:
Nowadays the internet has become a vital part of all adult and children’s lives allowing them to undertake research, communicate with family and friends, and access any given information. The internet is constantly evolving which has meant an increasing number of electronic devices – such as mobile phones, smartphones, tablets/iPads, laptops and PCs being readily available to most families. Therefore, it is vitally important that both in school and at home children are made aware of how to use technology safely.
In line with DfE statutory guidance and the duty of Prevent, the school takes its role in educating children against harmful material very seriously and through thorough filters can ensure pupils are safe from terrorist and extremist material when accessing the internet in school. By providing a safe environment for debating controversial issues and helping pupils to understand how they can influence and participate in decision-making, Robin Hood Primary & Nursery School intends to build pupils’ resilience to radicalisation. This is further endorsed by the promotion of spiritual, moral, social and cultural development and fundamental British values in line with school policy.
Safetynetkids is an excellent website that provides the following guidance:
Parents and carers are encouraged to endorse the school’s SMART approach when using the internet. The following SMART tips are designed for children aged 8-14 years:
| SAFE | Safe involves children not giving out personal information such as their name, address, mobile phone number, school name or passwords to people online - thereby staying SAFE. |
|---|---|
| MEETING | Meeting somebody in cyberspace could be dangerous. This should only happen when a parent/carer has given permission as well as being present. |
| ACCEPTING | Accepting and opening files from people you do not know could lead to cause viruses to inappropriate messages or damaging viruses corrupting a device. |
| RELIABLE | Reliability of knowing the person you are communicating with as they may not be who they say they are. |
| TELL | Tell a parent/carer if something or someone makes you feel uncomfortable or worried. |
As well as children having an understanding of safety through the curriculum, there are numerous ways that you can endorse this and ensure that your child stays safe online at home. The following links to national websites will provide a host of information for adults and children on the following topics: