Online Safety
In a world of ever-changing technology, our pupils are more connected than ever. The internet has become an integral part of their lives allowing them to communicate with friends and family as well as an invaluable resource for information. While we feel that the use of the internet has largely a positive impact on the way we live, learn and work, we appreciate the concerns and acknowledge the associated risks.
Chase Bridge has a clear, progressive online safety education programme as part of the Computing curriculum/PSHE curriculum. It is based on the National Curriculum. This covers a range of skills and behaviours appropriate to their age and experience. Teaching our pupils how to use technology responsibly as well as keeping them safe online is of essential importance.
In summary, we adopt a school-wide approach to teach our pupils:
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That people sometimes behave differently online, including by pretending to be someone they are not;
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That the same principles apply to online relationships as to face-to-face relationships, including the importance of respect for others online including when we are anonymous;
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The rules and principles for keeping safe online, how to recognise risks, harmful content and contact, and how to report them;
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How to critically consider their online friendships and sources of information including awareness of the risks associated with people they have never met; and
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How information and data is shared and used online How to respond safely and appropriately to adults they may encounter (in all contexts, including online) whom they do not know.
Our online safety policy is also availabe on our website.
We recognise that much of our pupils’ use of the internet will occur outside of school and potentially without the appropriate filters and restrictions. We would like to work in partnership with our parent community to help develop an understanding of the importance of online safety for all and to empower parents to continue the conversation at home.
To help navigate the wealth of information available to safeguard your child online, below is a list of useful websites, advice and resources that you may find helpful.
Useful Resources and Websites
ThinkUKnow - www.thinkuknow.co.uk
Thinkuknow is an education programme from the National Crime Agency’s CEOP Command. Since 2006, it aims to ensure that everyone has access to this practical information – children, young people, their parents and carers and the professionals who work with them.
Childnet - www.childnet.com/parents-and-carers
A UK charity whose mission is to work in partnership with others to help make the internet a great and safe place for children.
Common Sense Media - www.commonsensemedia.org
A useful website for expert reviews, objective advice and helpful tools for families to keep up to date with the digital world.
Parental Control For Devices
Internet Matters www.internetmatters.org/parental-controls/
Many parents find the controls and settings either difficult to set up or complicated to use. Internet Matters provides a simple step-by-step guide for mobile phones, all devices and search engines.
Apps, Social Media and Online Gaming
Are you confused by the growing number of apps, social media and online gaming platforms? Are you aware of the age restrictions for usage or how to limit features? Do you know which games offer in-app purchasing? It can be a minefield to decipher!
The following links provide useful information and guidance to help you make an informed decision in all of these online areas:
Keeping Children Safe Online For Our EAL Families
Childnet provides information and guidance in various different languages.
www.childnet.com/resources/supporting-young-people-online