Knop LawOnline Safety
In today’s digital world, keeping children safe online is more important than ever. The internet provides amazing opportunities for learning and growth, but it also comes with potential risks. By focusing on online safety, we can ensure children have a secure space to explore, learn, and connect confidently. Our dedication to protecting children online supports their well-being and promotes a positive and rewarding digital experience.
As part of Computing in our school - we aim to teach children about the importance of all forms of Online Safety. We are committed to teaching our children the importance of staying safe online. Online safety is embedded in our curriculum through the national Project Evolve resource, which is guided by the UK Council for Internet Safety (UKCIS) framework.
Our approach also includes PSHE lessons and regular assemblies dedicated to online safety, ensuring consistent and comprehensive coverage of this vital topic. Each year, we join the nation in celebrating Safer Internet Day with engaging activities and discussions that reinforce key online safety messages. This year, we marked the day with a variety of exciting initiatives. We also work in collaboration with our Trust schools on online safety projects.
Our Digital Leaders created this video message to share with pupil, parents, carers and the wider community for Safer Internet Day:
Online Safety At School
Talking to your child is one of the best ways to keep them safe.
The internet plays a vital role in 21st-century life, supporting education, business, and social interaction. Computing and digital skills are essential for accessing lifelong learning and employment opportunities. In today’s digital world, protecting the online safety of our children is more important than ever. While the internet offers amazing opportunities for learning and growth, it also presents potential risks. By focusing on online safety, we create a secure environment where children can explore, learn, and connect without worry. Our dedication to safeguarding children online helps ensure their well-being and encourages a positive, enriching digital experience.
'We won't keep up with every site or app children visit online, but we can ensure they have the skills, thinking and behaviours, to be safe and smart wherever they find themselves online.'
As a school, we are dedicated to ensuring that our children understand digital safety and know what to do if they have concerns or if a peer needs help. We teach children the skills to recognize the importance of caution when using the internet and understanding that not all information found online is factual. We work to prevent access to inappropriate material through robust online filtering and monitoring systems. We also educate children on how to behave responsibly on social networking sites, and provide guidance on where and how to seek advice and support if anything online makes them feel uncomfortable.
All staff in school play a pivotal role in ensuring children's online safety at school. Online safety is embedded into the curriculum , teaching students about the importance of responsible online behaviour and how to recognise potential dangers. Through dedicated lessons, assemblies, and themed days, teachers provide practical advice on the following topics: Copywrite and Ownership, Managing online information, Self Image and Identity, Online relationships, Health, Wellbeing and lifestyle, Online reputation and privacy and security.
Additionally, staff foster an open environment where students feel comfortable discussing their online experiences and concerns. By staying informed about the latest online trends and threats, staff can effectively guide students in navigating the digital world safely.
The Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) statutory document explains the requirement to have filtering and monitoring in place at school. It states:
- Filtering should be “age appropriate”.
- Overblocking should not lead to “unnecessary restrictions” around teaching and learning.
Therefore, Smoothwall filtering and monitoring software is in place at the school to monitor the online and offline activity of pupils against a wide range of concerns.
Signing an acceptable use agreement in school is a crucial step in helping children stay safe online. This agreement that children sign at the beginning of each year, outlines clear guidelines and expectations for responsible internet use, ensuring that students understand the importance of maintaining their privacy, respecting others, and avoiding harmful content. By signing this document, children commit to following safe online practices, which helps protect them from cyberbullying, inappropriate material, and other online threats. Additionally, it fosters a sense of accountability and awareness, empowering students to make informed decisions while navigating the digital world. This proactive approach not only safeguards their well-being but also promotes a positive and respectful online community.
Acceptable Use Agreements:
Acceptable_Use_Policies_Staff_Vounteers
Online Safety At Home
National Online Safety Website
Parents and carers can access valuable and updated Guides to support online safety by visiting the National Online Safety website. Together, we can help our children navigate the online world safely and responsibly! Use the link below to access useful parent guides and podcasts:
You can also access these fantastic, informative posters - a collection of guides for educators, parents and children about the latest issues and uses of online and social media. Visit the latest posters here :
Online Safety Guides for Parents
Sharing information:
Does your child overshare when they are on the Internet? Do they know not to share personal information such as their full name or address online? Spend time talking to your child about what is safe and not safe to share online.
Age restrictions:
Are you aware of the content your child is accessing? Some content out there is not suitable for children. If children are playing games online, they usually come with an age certification but when accessing online content through a video streaming platform, this is not always the case. Encourage your child to ask you for guidance when accessing new content or websites so you can help show them if it is safe and/or suitable for them.
Gaming:
More and more games are regularly available for your child to access online. Online games may involve online chats, live chats or include pop-up advertisements that encourage your children to buy products or more lives. Regularly chat to your child about what games they are playing online and what peripheral content they might be subjected to. Websites such as Common Sense Media can also support you with keeping up to date with new games that are available and their age restrictions.
Online Bullying:
Children find it a lot easier to be hurtful towards others when they are online than face to face. Encourage regular talks with your child about how to be kind when they are online. When online, your child could also be a victim of bullying. If you do suspect your child is being bullied, talk to them and ask them to explain what is happening. All apps and websites have the ability to block and report users. You can use this website to find out how help to keep your child safe from cyberbullying:
Online grooming:
It is important for your child to understand that not everybody they meet online is who they say they are. Regularly review your child’s friends and contacts and ask them who they have been talking to online. Any incidents can be reported to CEOP
Screen time:
With an increased dependency on technology, it can sometimes be hard to reach a balance between screen time and ‘non-screen’ time. Encourage activities away from the screen such as playing a board game or going for a walk.
Parent Workshops:
We have held a number of parent/carer online safety events in school. You can find below some of the materials and resources shared:
Online Safety Presentation (Adapted from Alan Ellis)
Please find below further useful resources about keeping your child safe online.
CEOP - Education from the National Crime Agency
Please report any concerns to any of our Designated Safeguarding Leads (below):
