Online Safety
The internet is an excellent resource. It is great for entertainment, staying in touch and finding out about anything and everything. However, the internet is full of danger which we all need to be safeguarded from.
At Wolsingham School we aim to ensure that all students, parents and carers are educated and supported to enjoy the ever-developing world of technology and stay safe online. Our whole school approach to online safety includes tutor group activities, assemblies, PSHE lessons, parental engagement, regular reviews of school filters and monitoring and staff CPD.
We are committed to the safeguarding our students and their safety, including online safety, is of paramount importance to us. We are proud that our commitment to online safety has resulted in us becoming a National Online Safety Certified School.
For further information on how online safety is delivered at Wolsingham School please see below.
Please see the document below which outlines how we use the internet within subjects and who your child communicates with online at school.
Advice for staying safe online
- Speak to a trusted adult if you ever have concerns with regards to online safety.
- If you see something online that makes you feel uncomfortable, unsafe or worried; leave the website, and tell a trusted adult immediately.
- Do not post personal information online such as your full name, home address, email address or mobile number.
- Never meet up with people you’ve met online and inform a trusted adult. Not everyone online is who they say they are.
- Carefully think about what you are posting online. Once you’ve posted a video or picture of yourself online people can see it, download it and use. It.
- Regularly check your privacy settings on social media.
- Never give out your passwords and change them regularly.
- Do not accept friend or follow requests from people you don’t know.
What to do if you are being bullied online
- Tell a trusted adult you trust if you are experiencing cyberbullying.
- Block users who send you nasty messages. Do not respond.
- Save any inappropriate messages you receive and show a trusted adult.
You can talk to someone at Child Line or get online safety advice at www.childline.org.uk/talk/Pages/Talk.aspx
Advice for parents
- Check that your internet service provider provides parental controls to filter out inappropriate content. If your child has a mobile phone check the settings on this too. Use Parental Controls to Keep Your Child Safe | NSPCC
- Regularly talk to your child about online safety, encourage them to talk to you about anything which is worrying them online.
- Keep all passwords safe and secure and regularly change them.
- Agree clear ground rules for safe use of the internet at home. For example, restrict access at bedtime.
- Be App aware. Many devices require downloading an app. You should check the privacy settings and permissions of any apps you download, as well as the product itself.
- Be device aware. Make sure your security settings include all internet enabled devices including smart TV’s and game consoles
Report any concerns you have to Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) CEOP Safety Centre.
Useful Links
Information, Advice and Support to Keep Children Safe Online (internetmatters.org)
CEOP Education (thinkuknow.co.uk)
NSPCC | The UK children’s charity | NSPCC
Parents and Carers – UK Safer Internet Centre
Browse E-safety Training and Resources For Schools | National Online Safety
