What is E-Safety?

E-safety is the safe use of information systems and electronic communications, including the internet, mobile phones and games consoles. It is important that everyone in our school community, but particularly children and young people, understand the benefits, risks and responsibilities of using information technology.

• e-safety concerns safeguarding children and young people in the digital world.
• e-safety emphasises learning to understand and use new technologies in a positive way.
• e-safety is less about restriction and more about education about the risks as well as the benefits so we can feel confident online.
• e-safety is concerned with supporting children and young people to develop safer online behaviours both in and out of school.

 Using the Internet safely at home

Whilst many Internet Service Providers (ISPs) offer filtering systems to help you safeguard your child at home, it remains surprisingly easy for children to access inappropriate material including unsuitable texts, pictures and movies.

Parents are advised to set the security levels within Internet browsers with this in mind. Locating the computer or tablet in a family area, not a bedroom, will enable you to supervise children as they use the Internet. However, don’t deny your child the opportunity to learn from the wide variety of material and games available on the Internet. Instead, set some simple rules for keeping them safe and make sure they understand the importance of these rules.

Simple rules for keeping your child safe

To keep your child safe they should:

• Ask permission before using the Internet
• Only use websites you have chosen together or a child friendly search engine.
• Only email people they know (why not consider setting up an address book?)
• Ask permission before opening an email sent by someone they don’t know
• Do not use Internet chat rooms
• Do not use their real name when using games on the Internet (create a nick name)
• Never give out a home address, phone or mobile number
• Never tell someone where they go to school
• Never arrange to meet someone they have ‘met’ on the Internet
• Only use a webcam with people they know
• Ask them to tell you immediately if they see anything they are unhappy with.

Using these rules

Go through the rules with your child and pin them up near the computer. It is also a good idea to regularly check the Internet sites your child is visiting e.g. by clicking on History and Favourites. Please reassure your child that you want to keep them safe rather than take Internet access away from them.

Talking to your children about staying safe online

We regularly use our PSHE and Online Safety lessons to remind your children about the importance of staying safe online. You can use some of the resources below to continue the conversation.

Digital Leaders

At Christ Church, we are proud to have a team of pupil Digital Leaders who play an important role in supporting the use of technology across the school. Our Digital Leaders help their peers to use devices safely and responsibly, promote key online safety messages, and support teachers during computing lessons. They act as positive role models, demonstrating good digital behaviour and helping to troubleshoot simple technical issues. Through their role, they develop confidence, leadership skills and a strong understanding of how to use technology effectively and safely.

CEOP

CEOP helps any child or young person under the age of 18 who is being pressured, forced or tricked into taking part in sexual activity of any kind. This can be something that has taken place either online or in ‘the real world’, or both. The CEOP Safety Centre has clear information and advice on what can be reported to CEOP, the reporting process and what will happen if you do decide to make a report. You can visit the CEOP Safety Centre and make a report directly to CEOP by clicking the Click CEOP button.

If you are experiencing online bullying or something else online has worried you, please speak to an adult you trust, or you can talk to ChildLine at any time on 0800 1111 or visit their website.

CEOP