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 Rodborough Community 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 Rodborough 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.
Book a free online safety webinar
The NSPCC are offering free webinars for groups of parents and carers, making it easy for parents to keep families safe online. To book your place please email parentworkshops@nspcc.org.uk
ONLINE SAFETY - CONCERN AND/OR QUERY FORM
If you, or your child, has any concerns relating to online safety, please click on the link below and complete the form to notify our Online Safety Lead.
Alternatively scan use the QR Code below
Understanding the risks to children
What are the issues?
The internet is an amazing resource which enables children and young people to connect, communicate and be creative in a number of different ways, on a range of devies.
However, the internet is always changing, and being able to keep up to date with your childrn's use of technology can be a challenge. You may sometimes feel that your children have better technical skills than you do, however children and young people still need advice and protection when it comes to managing their lives online.
Issues that your child may encounter on the internet will vary depending on their age and online activities. Areas for online risks can be categorised into the 4 C's - Content, Contact, Conduct and Commerce, and can be commercial, aggressive or sexual in nature.
Conduct - children may be at risk because of their own behaviour, for example, by sharing too much information.
Content - age-inappropriate or unreliable content can be available to children.
Contact - children can be contacted by bullies or people who groom or seek to abuse them.
Commercialism - young people can be unaware of hidden costs and advertising in apps, games and websites.
E-Safety Websites
CEOP (The Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre) delivers a multi-agency service dedicated to tackling the abuse and exploitation of children in the real and online world. It is often referred to as the online 999. By clicking on the button, young children and parents can get advice on a range of issues such as viruses, hacking and dealing with bullying online.
The "Thinkuknow" website is brought to you by The Child Exploitation and Online protection (CEOP) centre. It is a guide to online safety for young people. It offers e-safety advice and resources for children and parents.
Internet Matters is a new online portal designed for parents to access simple, easy and prac.png)
tical advice about online safety for their children, right through from pre-school to teens. It provides tips on protecting children from online grooming, cyberbullying, privace and identity theft and inappropriate content. Internet matters is a not for profit organisation set up by BT, Sky, TalkTalk and Virgin Media.
Ask about Games provides details on PEGI ratings, parental controls and advice on video games. It aims to answer questions parents and players may have about video game ratings and provide advice on how to game responsibility and get the most of them for their family.
Childline provides free advice and information to those aged 18 years and below, including advice on 'online and mobile safety'. Childline also provides the 'zipit' app for iOS and android devices. The app aims to help young people respond safely to requests for inappropriate images by send back a 'joke image'. Information on the Zipit app may be found here.
The Internet Watch Foundation works internationally with the internet inductry, police and governments to remove inappropriate content from the web. It can be used for reporting criminal online content in the UK.