Hebden Green SchoolOnline Safety
As a school we taken Online Safety seriously. It begins at the very earliest stages of education where we empower our young people to communicate effectively, develop healthy relationships and manage their own personal safety. As pupils move through school there is specific teaching around online safety that is further supported by our local community through joint working with our PCSO.
There are regular updates for pupils, staff and families around online safety. For more information contact the Designated Safeguarding Lead: Stacey Sawicki
Why Focus on Online Safety?
‘Online Safety is the term used to promote the protection of children and young people from the unwanted consequences of using technology and electronic media including the internet, mobile phones and social media’
Facts
- 69% of 3-4 year olds use a tablet to go online
- 82% of 5-7 year olds are online for 9.5 hours a week
- 35% of 8-11 year olds have their own smart phone
- 93% of 12-15 year olds have their own smart phone
- 71% of 12-15 year olds are allowed to take their phone to bed
The benefits of being online
Discover – children and young people can explore and learn
Connect – children and young people can collaborate
Create – children and young people can upload their own content
The negative aspects of being online: The 4 Cs
Commercialism: Advertising and marketing can affect your privacy and enjoyment online. It can also encourage young people to inadvertently spend money e.g., through ‘in-app’ purchases.
Content: What children and young people are exposed to online may not be suitable. It also may not be accurate.
Conduct:
Digital Footprint - It is important for children and young people to understand that there is a trail of data collected every time they use the internet.
Health and Wellbeing – Technology and screen time can have a negative effect on the health and wellbeing of a child or young person.
Copyright – It is important that for a child or young person to understand how to access content legally.
Contact:
Grooming – contacting a child online in order to form an inappropriate relationship
Online bullying – Harassing someone by text via mobile phone, email or instant messenger, or posting messages or media on social network sites and in chat rooms. (There will be a further focus on this aspect during March)
Identity theft – the deliberate use of someone else’s identity for financial gain or other benefits, and sometimes to the other person’s disadvantage or loss.
Resources to Use at Home
Below is a list of specific resources to support working with our pupils at home around online safety:
Safer Internet Centre: Advice for parents and carers - UK Safer Internet Centre
NSPCC: Keeping children safe online | NSPCC
ThinkUKnow: https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/parents/
National Online Guides - These can be easily accessed through Facebook
E-safety Guides for Schools | National Online Safety
Games and Activities to Play at Home
Please see below for links to games and activities to support your child at home with online safety:
Safer Internet UK Quizzes: Quiz - UK Safer Internet Centre
Childnet games and activities: Online safety activities you can do from home | Childnet
Safer Internet Games, quizzes, activities and films: Children and young people - UK Safer Internet Centre
Support for Those Experiencing Online Abuse
To talk contact the NSPCC: 08088005000
Report to CEOP if you feel that a young person is at risk of sexual abuse or grooming online: https://www.ceop.police.uk/safety-centre/
Contact Childline if a young person is experiencing bullying online: Get Support | Childline
For further information and support, please contact Stacey Sawicki (Designated Safeguarding Lead)