E-Safety
ST LUKE'S C.E. PRIMARY SCHOOL IS COMMITTED TO PROVIDING A SAFE AND SECURE ENVIRONMENT FOR CHILDREN, STAFF AND VISITORS AND PROMOTING A CLIMATE WHERE CHILDREN AND ADULTS WILL FEEL CONFIDENT ABOUT SHARING ANY CONCERNS WHICH THEY MAY HAVE ABOUT THEIR OWN SAFETY OR THE WELL-BEING OF OTHERS.
Please access our Safeguarding Policy by clicking on the link below:
E-SAFETY
The Internet can be a wonderful resource for children. They can use it for research, to communicate with friends and family, and play interactive games. However with the rise in access to the internet, through the wide range of gaming, mobile devices and Smartphones, comes the increase in the potential for harm from inappropriate use. That's why it's vitally important to be aware of what your children see and hear on the Internet, who they meet, and what they share about themselves online.
Internet or E-safety covers a wide range of topics and devices which comprise the 'online' experience. As parents and carers please do talk to your children about how they use the internet and keep themselves safe online. I hope the links below will help you to find relevant information which will not only inform you but help you to engage your children in the importance of internet safety.
There are a wide range of technologies available now which have access to online resources and the following documents give specific information on some of these.
PARENTAL CONTROLS SETUP GUIDES FOR THE MAJOR TABLETS AND SMARTPHONES:
PARENTAL CONTROLS SETUP GUIDES FOR THE MAJOR GAMING CONSOLES:
PARENTAL CONTROLS SETUP LINKS FOR THE MAIN LAPTOP AND TABLET OPERATING SYSTEMS:
PARENTAL CONTROLS SETUP GUIDES AND LINKS FOR THE MAJOR INTERNET SERVICE PROVIDERS:
INFORMATION ABOUT PUBLIC WIFI SERVICES CAN BE FOUND HERE:
PARENTAL CONTROLS SETUP GUIDES AND LINKS FOR THE MAJOR MOBILE OPERATORS:
PARENTAL CONTROLS SETUP GUIDES FOR SEARCH ENGINES:
PARENTAL CONTROL INFORMATION FOR ONLINE CONTENT:
Links for further information - for more detailed advice on technologies and information on how to support your children with their online experience please visit the following links:
https://www.saferinternet.org.uk/advice-centre/parents-and-carers
http://www.childnet.com/parents-and-carers
http://www.ceop.police.uk/safety-centre/
Parental Controls (PC) do help to control the online experience of your children though they should not replace parental oversight of your children whilst online. They can allow filtered access to online sites and material so inappropriate access is denied. You can perform a 'Google'search for 'parental controls and internet safety' for more information though it is important to understand that even the best PC software may not be perfect. However with the move away from an easily supervised computer in the lounge to a mobile device in the bedroom it is a valuable step to providing protection for your children. Net Nanny (.com) is one award winning example and OpenDNS is another. These are inexpensive options which now cover a number of online devices in one household.
So what are the risks? The risks depend on the access your child has to unrestricted online sites and the way your child uses the internet. I have put together a number of documents below, the first giving general online advice with the remaining documents giving more detailed information on specific risks your child may be exposed to.
| Online tips for Parents | Personal Information Tips |
| Blocking Tips | Children Meeting Strangers |
| Online Gaming Tips | Online Friends |
| Online Reputation Tips | Social Networking Tips |
What to do if something goes wrong? The CEOP website has links for reporting inappropriate online behaviour. Look out for the following symbol on websites or on the CEOP's own site which take you directly to their own page for reporting abuse: https://www.ceop.police.uk/Ceop-Report/
Cyberbullying
This is bullying but using technology to harass, threaten, embarrass or target another person. A comprehensive leaflet has been published by Childnet International on the subject of cyberbullying which can be accessed through the following link: Cyberbullying leaflet (pages 6 and 7 show how technology can be used to bully with advise on contacting service providers if necessary).
If you suspect your child is being bullied in anyway, including cyberbullying, please inform us by speaking to Mrs Ishaq (head teacher) or Mr Jones (ICT Coordinator).
Social Networking Sites (including Facebook)
Many children now have online contact with other chilren through a wide variety of games and social networking sites, including Facebook. Children should not have a Facebook account until they are 13 years old, however we realise that some children may have an account below this age, particularly when they leave primary school to go to high school. If your child does have a Facebook account or uses other social networking sites please talk to your child about the following:
- Insist that you know your child's login details.
- Insist that you and other family members are 'friends' on Facebook or other social sites (then any inappropriate content can be monitered.)
- Make sure your child 'locks down' their profile to ensure only friends can access their page, pictures etc.
- Make sure any photos or videos are appropriate and don't reveal personal information, such as school uniform details.
- Be aware that it is recommended that school staff are NOT 'friends' with pupils, or ex pupils, so don't be offended if any requests are not accepted.
Older Children and Sexting
Sexting (sending sexually explicit photographs or messages via mobile phone) is becoming one of the most prevalent issues for young people today. Again I have attached a few links to documents to give you more information and advice to help you prevent your child(ren) getting involved and to help you if you find they have.
Sexting and how to keep your child safe online
Information for young people who are worried about being involved in sexting