E-Safety Guidance for Parents and Carers
New technologies have become integral to the lives of children and young people in today’s society, both within schools and in their lives outside school. The internet and other digital and information technologies are powerful tools, which open up new opportunities for everyone. However, the use of these new technologies can put young people at risk. They should have an entitlement to safe internet access at all times. Some of the dangers they may face include:
• Access to illegal, harmful or inappropriate images or other content.
• Unauthorised access to/loss of/sharing of personal information.
• The risk of being subject to grooming by those with whom they make contact on the internet.
• The sharing/distribution of personal images without an individual’s consent or knowledge.
• Inappropriate communication/contact with others, including strangers.
• Cyber-bullying.
• Access to unsuitable video/internet games.
• An inability to evaluate the quality, accuracy and relevance of information on the internet.
• Plagiarism and copyright infringement.
• Illegal downloading of music or video files.
• The potential for excessive use which may impact on the social and emotional development and learning of the young person.
The requirement to ensure that children and young people are able to use the internet and related communications technologies appropriately and safely is addressed as part of the wider duty of care to which all who work in schools are bound. Please see the abridged version of our E-safety Policy (full Policy available on request). This Policy should help to ensure safe and appropriate use and to encourage pupils to grow into discerning and responsible users.
Listed below are links to some useful documents providing help and guidance to parents/carers in dealing with e-safety issues.
E-Safety Guidance for Parents and Carers
Parents Guide to Dealing with Sexting
Thinkyouknow Selfie Advice
NSPCC Share Aware
Live Streaming- Advice For Parents And Carers