E-safety
NSPCC: "Schools have a dual responsibility when it comes to e-safety: to ensure the school’s online procedures keep children and young people safe, and to teach them about online safety, in and outside of school."
With children and young people’s increased access to online content and time spent on electronic devices, school's role in educating pupils has never been more important. The aim of promoting E-safety is to protect children and young people when online and to help them identify if they are at risk of being bullied, exploited or harassed.
E-safety encompasses all internet based programmes and electronic devices such as mobile phones, games consoles, apps and wireless technology.
It highlights the need to educate children and young people about the benefits and risks of using new technologies. This safeguards our learners and enables them to control their online experiences, whilst being supported to achieve the maximum benefit from new and developing technologies without risk to themselves or others.
Although internet and network restrictions are very important, their use must be balanced by educating learners to take a responsible approach when online. The education of learners in E-safety is an essential part of the school’s E-safety policy. Children and young people need the help and support of the school to recognise and avoid E-safety risks and build their resilience.
Some parents and carers have a limited understanding of E-safety risks and issues, yet they play an essential role in the education of their children and in the monitoring and regulation of the children’s on-line activity and behaviours. Parents may underestimate how often children and young people come across potentially harmful and inappropriate material on the internet and may be unsure about how to respond.
Working in partnership with parents and carers will ensure that our children and young people are aware of the risks and do not endanger themselves when they are using electronic technologies.
Useful websites for more information:
https://www.ceop.police.uk/safety-centre/