Giffard Park Primary School

Online Safety

At Giffard Park Primary School we recognise the important role that modern technology plays in children's learning and know that the internet can provide a rich and wonderful resource to support and enhance learning. We understand that children will explore and may come across things that are not age-appropriate so we develop a safe culture where the children feel safe to talk to us and share what they are doing online.

As part of our school's approach to teaching children how to use modern technology responsibly, we teach children the importance of keeping safe and to understand how to do this when using the internet and electronic devices. We ensure that we regularly update the activities and teaching that we deliver to ensure that we are always up to date with the ever-changing online world. We also believe it to be extremely important that we don’t just talk about the negative things that can happen online, but also praise all of the fantastic resources, support and innovations using modern technology as well.

Use the links below to get more information and support with how to ensure that your child is being safe with technology at home.

• www.nspcc.org.uk  –  packed full of information and tips on how to start conversations with children about what they get up to online.
• https://www.net-aware.org.uk/  -  This is an online resource where parents can look at apps and websites to help them make decisions on whether or not it is appropriate. It includes an overview and what age group it is aimed at.
• https://www.internetmatters.org/  -  This offers a step by step guide on how to apply security settings to all of your devices and appliances at home. Simply go to controls along the top and then click on devices.
• https://www.commonsensemedia.org/   -  Explore movies, apps, games tv shows etc. Gives you a rating and an easy to understand overview of what they are.

Please find a copy of our Online Safety Policy below.

• Online Safety Policy

There are lots of sites around that allow you to talk to other people on the internet. Chat rooms and networks give you the chance to have a conversation with other people and get instant replies, while online message boards let you post up questions or comments and ask other users to give their opinion in their own time.

They can be a great way to communicate with other people who share your interests, but you should always be careful not to pass on any of your personal details. You should always keep in mind that internet users can pretend to be anyone they like. They can lie about their age, their interests and whether they're male or female. No matter how long you've been chatting, remember that they're still strangers; you don't really know them at all.

#DITTO  is a free online safety (e-safety) magazine for schools, organizations and parents to keep you up to date with risks, issues, advice and guidance related to keeping children safe online, with a view to enjoying and learning about technology. A new edition is released approx. every 6 weeks. Please see attached link for more esafety information for parents.

http://www.esafety-adviser.com/

The Think U Know website is an excellent resource for keeping children safe online.

Social Networks

Some children may have their own web page set up that lets you chat with friends or communicate with other users who share your interests. These 'social networks' also let you create your own blog, upload photos and videos for others to see, and add people to an online friends list.

Social networks are a great way of keeping in touch but you should think carefully before adding someone to your list of online friends or posting a blog entry that could get you into trouble at school, college or work.  

Most social networks have age restrictions:

Age 13 - Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Google+, Tumblr, Reddit, Snapchat, Secret

Age 14 - LinkedIn

Age 16 - WhatsApp

Age 18 (or 13 with parents' permission) - YouTube, Flickr, WeChat

Remember that:

• Your page is still a public place, so putting anything on your page that you wouldn't want your parents, teacher to see is not a good idea
• You can never be sure that other users are being truthful about their online identities, so be careful about what information you give out
• Think about whether you know someone well enough before accepting someone into your group of linked friends
• Make sure you know who to contact to report abuse or bullying on your page and how your complaint will be dealt with and tell your parents

Please see below for information leaflets with further guidance and support. 

Wake up Wednesdays