Online safety
Technology and Internet technology more specifically, has grown rapidly over the past decade. Applications and new mobile technology have developed in such a manner that they allow us to complete standard day to day tasks much more efficiently and effectively.
Our students at Winifred Holtby Academy regularly create websites and wiki sites, upload videos to the World Wide Web, communicate using email, social media and blogging sites, create their own virtual social circles – all of which we could only ever dream of when we were of their age.
These advantages of technology in relation to ICT, also means there may be risks which we face as staff, parents, carers and our students/children.
Here at Winifred Holtby Academy, we do the upmost to safeguard our children in relation to ICT. We have platforms in place that monitor Internet activity on all mobile and fixed computers at the academy, ensuring that all computer activity is monitored – whether it be internet access or standard day to day use.
We regularly deliver information within assemblies and during lessons – more so within ICT & Computing, which has a module within each key stage that is specific to eSafety - that ensures our students are best equipped to stay safe when using the internet. The following ‘eSmart’ rules assist our students in staying safe when using the internet at home or at the academy. You can also download a printable version from the download section below.
Safe
Keep safe by being careful not to give out personal information, such as your name, email, phone number, home address, school name, or other account name (e.g. Snapchat username) - to people who you don't trust or know, online.
Meeting
Meeting someone you have only been in touch with online can be dangerous. Only do so with your parents' or carers' permission and even then, only when they are present.
Accepting
Accepting emails, IM messages, or opening files, pictures or texts from people you don't know or trust can lead to problems - they may contain viruses or nasty messages!
Reliable
Someone online may be lying about who they are, and information you find on the internet may not be reliable.
Tell
Tell your parent, carer or a trusted adult if someone or something makes you feel uncomfortable or worried. You can report online abuse to the Police at www.ThinkUKnow.com
Useful organisations
https://www.saferinternet.org.uk/advice-centre/parents-and-carers
https://www.childnet.com/resources/kia/