Online Safety
Online Safety Statement
In an age of rapid integration of technologies and growing accessibility of information and data, it is essential that schools provide children with the digital literacy skills to thrive in an ever-changing 21st century.
At Forest, Online Safety is integral to our responsibility to ensure that children are kept safe in school. We are committed to the safe and responsible integration of technology throughout our school and recognise technology as a valuable tool for learners of all ages.
All pupils are given opportunities to creatively embrace technology as an essential part of our curriculum. This is achieved through the integration of classroom interactive displays, iPads, Chromebooks and, of course, the internet.
There are well-publicised concerns regarding material on the internet, some of which is unsuitable for pupils. Whilst it is impossible to ensure that children will not access such material, our school, in liaison with London Grid for Learning, takes all necessary and reasonable measures to minimise the pupils’ access to such material. This includes:
- Network filtering provided by LGfL to ensure that children cannot gain access to websites that includes unsuitable material.
- The requirement of both teaching and support staff to ensure that children are continually supervised whilst using a device connected to the internet
The safe and responsible use of the internet is also an integral aspect of our partnership curriculum and woven throughout our computing curriculum provision.
What is e-safety?
E-Safety is a term which means not only the internet but other ways in which young people communicate using electronic media, e.g. mobile phones. It means ensuring that children and young people are protected from harm and supported to achieve the maximum benefit from new and developing technologies without risk to themselves or others.
Here are some useful links to sites to help you keep your child/ren safe on devices and the internet.
Parents
Recommended Films
Cyberbullying video (Digizen from Childnet)
Where’s Klaus (CEOP Clip about Internet Safety)
Jigsaw (CEOP video aimed at raising awareness about what constitutes personal information)
Sam’s Real Friends (CEOP video for children and young people with special education needs)
Know Your Friends with Josh and Sue (CEOP video for young people about general internet safety)
Consequences (CEOP video aimed at young people about keeping personal information private)
Exposed (A CEOP resource launched on Safer Internet Day in 2011 to highlight the dangers of sexting - sending inappropriate images on mobile phones)
National E-safety Organisations
Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (CEOP) – a national police body dedicated to the eradication of the sexual abuse of children
Childnet – a non-profit organisation working with others to help make the internet a great and safe place for children
UKCCIS (UK Council for Child Internet Safety) – a Council set up to address the recommendations contained in the 2007 Byron Review into Child Internet Safety: ‘Safer Children in a Digital World’
ThinkuKnow – Internet safety guidance (from CEOP) for age 5-16s, including parents/carers and teachers/trainers
Digizen – Awareness-raising site that encourages all citizens to be responsible when online, including important an important cyberbullying resource.
Kidsmart – User-friendly site aimed primarily at children and young people with great tips and advice
UK Safer Internet Helpline E-safety helpline for professionals working with children.