What does E-Safety mean?

Using the Internet is now an everyday occurrence for most adults and children. With ever expanding new technologies such as blogs (online diaries), social networking spaces, online chat and mobile phones children are using technology in a way never seen before. The increased use of technology at school and home also exposes children to a number of risks and dangers.

In its simplest form E-Safety is about ensuring children use new technologies (computers, mobile phones and gaming devices) in a way which will keep them safe without limiting their opportunities for creation and innovation.

Why the Internet and digital communications are important?

• The Internet is an essential element in 21st century life for education, business, and social interaction. The school has a duty to provide pupils with quality Internet access as part of their learning experience.
• Internet use is a part of the statutory curriculum and a necessary tool for staff and pupils.

Internet use will enhance learning

• The school Internet access is designed expressly for pupil use and will include filtering appropriate to the age of pupils.
• Pupils will be taught what Internet use is acceptable and what is not and given clear objectives for Internet use.
• Pupils will be educated in the effective use of the Internet in research, including the skills of knowledge location, retrieval and evaluation
• Pupils will be shown how to publish and present information to a wider audience.

Social Media

Bream C of E is committed to promoting the safe and responsible use of the internet and as such we feel it is our responsibility to raise this particular issue as a concern. Social Media websites such as Facebook offer amazing communication and social connections, however, they are created with their audience in mind and this is specifically over 13 years old. Possible risks for children under 13 using the site may include:

• The school Internet access is designed expressly for pupil use and will include filtering appropriate to the age of pupils.
• Facebook use “age targeted” advertising and therefore your child could be exposed to inappropriate adverts for their age.
• Children may accept friend requests from people they don’t know in real life which could increase the risk of inappropriate contact.
• Language, games, groups and content posted or shared on Facebook is not moderated, and therefore can be offensive, illegal or unsuitable for children.
• Photographs shared by users are not moderated and therefore children could be exposed to inappropriate images or even post their own.
• Underage users might be less likely to keep their identities private and lying about their age can expose them to further risks regarding privacy settings and options.
• Facebook could be exploited by bullies, and for other inappropriate contact.
• Facebook cannot, and does not, verify its members therefore it is important to remember that if your child can lie about who they are online, so can anyone else!

We feel that it is important to point out to parents the risks of underage use of such social media sites, so you can make an informed decision as to whether to allow your child to have a profile or not. These profiles will have been created by a child, their friends, siblings or even parents. Should you decide to allow your child of any age to have a social media profile we strongly advise you to:

• Check their profile is set to private and that only friends can see information that is posted.
• Monitor your child’s use and talk to them about safe and appropriate online behaviour such as not sharing personal information and not posting offensive messages or photos.
• Ask them to install the CEOP (Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre) application on their profile. This places a bookmark on their profile to CEOP, and the ‘Report Abuse’ button has been known to deter offenders.

Make sure your child understands the following rules:

• Always keep your profile private.
• Never accept friends you don’t know in real life.
• Never post anything which could reveal your identity.
• Never post anything you wouldn’t want your parents to see.
• Never agree to meet somebody you only know online without telling a trusted adult.
• Always tell someone if you feel threatened or someone upsets you.

We also recommend that all parents visit the CEOP Think U Know website for more information on keeping your child safe online.