Online Safety
As children and young people navigate the ever-evolving digital world, it is vital for them to balance the advantages of technology with a keen awareness of their own and others' online actions. They must be taught to use effective strategies to remain safe and contribute positively in the online world.
At Ludlow Junior School we aim to support pupils, parents, wider family networks and staff in developing the skills, knowledge and understanding to stay safe online. Underpinning this work in school is a professionally installed and monitored filtering and monitoring system which aims to keep all in school content safe and appropriate. Any inappropriate content will be blocked and reported to us – this gives us an opportunity to not only deal with the content but also to educate potential users of the content about why and how it is blocked and reported
We aim to extend our in school work to support our pupils and families when they navigate the online world themselves. We will structure learning/curriculum opportunities for pupils and their families and have a key emphasis on staying safe, making positive choices and avoiding upsetting, misleading or extremist materials when online
Our behaviour policy also deals directly with any behaviours online which may be harmful to members of our community and any online bullying we discover is treated seriously and dealt with in the same way as nay face to face poor behaviour in school.
In more detail:
Our goal is to ensure our students are just as secure and effective in the digital world, within and outside of school, as they are in the physical world. To support this, we teach online safety throughout our curriculum, with particular emphasis in Computing and PSHE lessons.
Our online safety curriculum aligns with the Education for a Connected World framework provided by the UK Council for Internet Safety. We use Project Evolve to facilitate the delivery of this framework. This framework outlines the skills and knowledge children and young people should develop at various ages and stages. It identifies what they should know about current online technology, its effects on behaviour and development, and the skills necessary for safe navigation.
The framework emphasises eight crucial aspects of online education:
- Self-image and Identity
- Online Relationships
- Online Reputation
- Online Bullying
- Managing Online Information
- Health, Well-being, and Lifestyle
- Privacy and Security
- Copyright and Ownership
By focusing on these areas, we aim to provide our pupils with the understanding and abilities required to use technology in a safe and responsible manner. As previously stated all online content in school is securely filtered and monitored for safety, security and developmental purposes.
All staff are trained and reminded about their own online activity, we guide staff in responsible use of the internet and expect them to uphold the public trust in their role.
Online safety is an important part of keeping children safe. Within school, we have policies and procedures in places to help safeguard our pupils from any potential online dangers and unsuitable access when online. As a school, online safety incidents are dealt with through our policies and appropriate sanctions are used to deal with any unacceptable behaviour both within and out of school.
Useful resources and links
Thinkuknow http://www.thinkuknow.co.uk
Thinkuknow is an education programme from the National Crime Agency’s CEOP Command. Since 2006, it aims to ensure that everyone has access to this practical information – children, young people, their parents and carers and the professionals who work with them.
Internet Matters https://www.internetmatters.org/advice/esafety-leaflets-resources/
A comprehensive web resource with a wide array of tips and advice on how to navigate the online world with your child. Some of their guidance we attach below but you can find even more by visiting the link.
National Online Safety https://nationalonlinesafety.com/resources/platform-guides/
National Online Safety's mission is to make the internet a safer place for children. They aim to do this by equipping school staff, parents and children with the knowledge they need to understand online dangers and how best to react should an incident arise. The link above provides up to date information about a wide variety of social media apps and platforms your child might be using.
NSPCC http://www.nspcc.org.uk/preventing-abuse/keeping-children-safe/share-aware/
The NSPCC are the first to admit that the internet is amazing. Children can play, learn, create and connect - opening up a whole world of exciting possibilities. But with the digital world changing all the time, how can you make sure your child’s staying safe? That’s where the NSPCC come in. Whether you’re an online expert or you’re not sure where to start, their tools and advice will help you keep your child safe.
Childnet http://www.childnet.com/parents-and-carers
Childnet International is a registered UK charity that aims to make the internet a safe place for children and young people. Packed with resources it is a great resource for parents.
CEOP http://ceop.police.uk/safety-centre/
Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) is part of the National Crime Agency and their website can be used to report if you are worried about online abuse or the way someone is communicating online.
BBC https://www.bbc.com/ownit
The BBC have a website and app called Own It. The website has a lot of content for children to help them navigate their online lives, and the free smartphone app comes with a special keyboard which can intervene with help and support in the moments that children need it the most.
SafetoNet https://safetonet.com/
SafeToNet is technology that educates children “in-the-moment” as they use their device. It is a safeguarding assistant that helps them become responsible and safe digital citizens. Its power lies in a smart keyboard that detects risks in real-time. It steers children away from trouble by filtering harmful outgoing messages before they can be sent and any damage can be done.
A guide to Apps & Social Media
The number of apps and social media channels your child could be exposed to grow all the time, as does an app's functionality. We recommend you visit Net Aware to read the latest and most current advice on over 70 apps to ensure you know what they do, how you can limit their features as well as recommended age restrictions.
The apps included are:
- Fortnite
- Snapchat
- YouTube
- Minecraft
- Clash of Clans & Clash Royale
- Kik
- Friv
- Dubsmash
- Wink
- YOLO
- TikTok
- And many, many more