E-Safety
The internet is now a part of everyday life and children are spending more and more time online, exploring cyberspace and connecting with others online. However the internet can also represent a risk to children that is sometimes misunderstood and often underestimated. E-Safety is a key element in the safeguarding strategy at Elm Hall Primary School and keeping children safe online is a priority for all staff and volunteers.
Just like the offline world, the online world is full of risk and although the majority of these will not turn into harm, it is important that children understand the risks they are taking and make sensible choices. At Elm Hall children are taught the fundamentals of e-safety throughout the school so that they can recognise and avoid dangers and unsuitable content. We also explain how to behave appropriately online as well as the importance of managing their digital footprint.
However we can only be successful in keeping children safe online if we engage with parents and carers to ensure a consistent approach on e-safety at home as well as at school
Understanding the risks to children
Areas for online risks can be categorised into the 3 C's - Content, Contact and Conduct, and can be commercial, aggressive or sexual in nature as shown in the table below.
Children are keen to explore the online world but are often not mature enough to manage or understand the risks they come across. Helping your child to manage these risks at home can be achieved by asking your child
- Where they are going and what they see? - this will help you talk about content risk.
- What they do online? - this will help you understand any conduct risks and see whether they are chatting on anonymous sites or posting comments about themselves.
- Who they are talking to? - this will help cover the contact risks, particularly if their online friends are people they do not know offline.
It is essential to be realistic - banning the internet or technology will not work and it often makes a child less likely to report a problem. Education around the safe use is essential.
Guidance for Parents
E-Safety: A parent's perspective
Digital Parenting magazine Issue 5
CSE Parent Leaflet: A guide for Parents and Carers
Power of Image: A report into the influence of images and videos in young people's digital lives
Your Guide to the Social Networks your kids like by NSPCC
Parent Guide to Skype: A guide on what parents need to know when children are using Skype
www.thinkuknow.co.uk/parents/articles/theres-a-viral-scare-online-what-should-I-do/
Reporting
Reporting Harmful Content Online (provided by the UK Safer Internet Centre)
Reporting and Preventing Radicalisation
iREPORTit App - National public referral tool for counter terrorism internet referral unit
Act Early - Action Counters Terrorism. Confidential advice line for members of the public who are worried about possible exploitation of vunerable children and adults
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