Online Safety

The use of technology is a largely positive aspect of modern life, as well as playing an important role in the everyday lives of children, young people and adults. As part of supporting pupils at Colgate to develop a positive attitude to technology, we feel e-safety is an integral and important part within the curriculum to equip children with the knowledge and skills to access the internet safely and responsibly. In school, we have filters and control over the different devices we use, and any e-safety incidents are recorded and managed as part of our safeguarding process. 

E-safety is specifically taught to all classes as part of the curriculum and reinforced throughout the year. Lessons educate pupils on e-safety issues, teaching them the appropriate behaviours and critical thinking skills to remain both safe and legal when using the internet and related technologies, in and beyond the context of the classroom. While the use of technology opens a world of entertainment, information, opportunity and knowledge, we cannot ignore the risks that can be associated amongst the constant and fast-paced evolution of the online world. We do everything we can to keep pupils safe while they are online in school and give them the skills to keep themselves safe too. 

Throughout school, we aim to teach children:

·       The impact of cyber-bullying and what to do if they have been affected.

·       To be vigilant when communicating online, recognising that people may not always be who they say they are and to be sensible about what they share.

·       To tell an adult they trust if something is upsetting them.

·       To question the reliability of information given through a web-based source.

·       To search responsibly for information while using internet browsers.

·       The impression we give to others including future employees.

·       The permanence of what is shared as once something is shared, you cannot get it back.
 

A useful way to remember these points, is ChildNet's SMART internet safety rules. This is something we explore within our e-safety lessons to ensure children remember these key aspects of staying safe online.

We understand that much of our pupils' use of the internet will occur at home, away from the school filters. We can only be successful in keeping children safe online if we work with parents to ensure the e-safety message is consistent. It is important that parents speak to their children about how they can keep safe and behave appropriately online. We understand that this the technology children use every day can seem a bit daunting and you might worry about the risks your child can face online – such as bullying, contact from strangers or the possibility of them seeing illegal or inappropriate content. A good starting point may be the use of search engines designed for children, such as ‘Kiddle’, ‘Kids Click’ and ‘BBC Schools’, or, engaging with your child/ children regarding their use of the internet at home. 

Below is a list of useful websites, advice and resources we have pulled together that you may find helpful when navigating the issue of online safety with your child. They are resources aimed at educating and advising parents of what they can do. At the very bottom of this page are resources your child can directly access as well to help them learn about online safety in addition to our school curriculum. 

We hope that the information on this page is useful and informative. Should you have any concerns specific to your child, or if you would like to talk anything through with a member of staff, please do not hesitate to contact your child’s teacher in the first instance. 
However, if you or your child has any concerns regarding something you have seen or heard on the internet, please contact our Designated Safeguarding Leads - Mrs Winn and Mrs Forrest. 

You may also wish to contact CEOP. This is the National Crime Agency centre for Child Protection and Online Protection Command.