Online Safety

New technologies have become integral to the lives of children and young people in today’s society, both within schools and in their lives outside school.

The internet and other digital and information technologies are powerful tools, which open up new opportunities for everyone. Electronic communication helps teachers and pupils learn from each other. These technologies can stimulate discussion, promote creativity and increase awareness of context to promote effective learning. Children and young people should have an entitlement to safe internet access at all times.

By giving pupils the knowledge to safeguard themselves and their personal information we are empowering them with a vital life skill. We use the ‘National Centre for Computing Education’ scheme which is funded by the Department for Education and supporting partners. We also use the National Online Safety resources to teach the broad spectrum of E-safety principles covered by the Education for a Connected World framework.

As children grow older, it is crucial that they learn to balance the benefits offered by technology with a critical awareness of their own and other’s online behaviour and develop effective strategies for staying safe and making a positive contribution online.

The Education for a Connected World lessons focus specifically on eight different aspects of online education:

1. Self-image and Identity
2. Online relationships
3. Online reputation
4. Online bullying
5. Managing online information
6. Health, wellbeing and lifestyle
7. Privacy and security
8. Copyright and ownership