Online Safety

At School, we take online safety very seriously. Each year group are taught different aspects of online safety (KS3 IT lessons and Year 7-11 PSHE), tailored to the age and understanding of the children and broaden in depth and scope as they ascend through the school. Topics covered include safely accessing the internet, the reliability of sites and how to assess this reliability, raising awareness of what we share online, looking at our internet behaviours, email, passwords, digital footprints and reporting procedures for unsafe content.
We aim to provide important information and resources to help you stay safe while using the internet. As technology continues to evolve, it’s essential that we all understand how to use it responsibly and protect ourselves online.

Why Online Safety is Important?

In today’s digital age, you are likely using the internet for schoolwork, social media, entertainment, and communication. While there are many positive aspects to the online world, it’s important to be aware of potential risks such as cyberbullying, online predators, scams, and identity theft. This page is designed to equip you with the knowledge you need to stay safe online and make responsible choices.

Social Media Guidelines

Social media is a popular platform for connecting with friends and sharing content, but it also comes with its risks. Here are some tips to stay safe:

  • Think before you post: Remember that once something is posted online, it can be difficult to remove. Be mindful of what you share and consider how it may be viewed by others.
  • Keep your profile private: Ensure that your social media accounts are set to private so that only people you trust can see your posts.
  • Don’t engage in arguments or confrontations: If you see something that upsets you, don’t engage with it. Instead, report or block the user.

 

Online Games – Playing Safely

Many students enjoy online gaming, but it’s important to stay safe while playing.

  • Set limits on screen time: Balance gaming with other activities, like homework, physical exercise, and socializing with friends and family.
  • Be cautious with in-game purchases: Some games may prompt you to spend real money. Always check with a parent before making any purchases.
  • Report inappropriate behaviour: Many games have ways to report players who are bullying or being inappropriate.

 

 

 

What to Do if You’re Concerned

If you have any concerns or come across something online that makes you feel unsafe or uncomfortable, here’s what to do:

  1. Tell someone you trust: Whether it’s a parent, teacher, or school counsellor, don’t keep things to yourself.
  2. Report it: You can report online incidents to the relevant platform or app. Many platforms allow you to block or report users.
  3. Stay calm: If you’re feeling anxious or upset, take a break from the device and talk to someone who can offer support.

 

 

Cyberbullying – What It Is and How to Handle It

Social media is a popular platform for connecting with friends and sharing content, but it also comes with its risks. Here are some tips to stay safe:

  • Think before you post: Remember that once something is posted online, it can be difficult to remove. Be mindful of what you share and consider how it may be viewed by others.
  • Keep your profile private: Ensure that your social media accounts are set to private so that only people you trust can see your posts.
  • Don’t engage in arguments or confrontations: If you see something that upsets you, don’t engage with it. Instead, report or block the user.
  • Keep passwords private: Never share your passwords with anyone, and choose strong, unique passwords.
  • Think before you share: Only share personal information with trusted individuals or platforms. Be cautious when sharing details such as your full name, address, phone number, or school.
  • Check privacy settings: Review the privacy settings on social media and other accounts to control who can see your posts and personal details.
  • Be kind and respectful: Treat others online as you would in person. Cyberbullying, trolling, or inappropriate comments can cause harm and are not tolerated.
  • Report inappropriate behaviour: If you encounter cyberbullying, harmful content, or anything that makes you feel uncomfortable, speak to a trusted adult or report it through the platform’s reporting system.
  • Don’t trust everyone: Not everyone online is who they say they are. Be wary of people who ask for personal information or try to form relationships quickly.
  • Don’t meet strangers: If you’ve met someone online, never agree to meet them in person without the permission and presence of a trusted adult.
  • Look for red flags: Be cautious of unsolicited messages, suspicious links, or strange requests for money or personal details.
  • Don’t click on suspicious links: These could lead to harmful websites or infect your devices with viruses.
  • Install updates: Ensure your devices, software, and apps are always up to date to help protect against security threats.
  • Use antivirus software: This can help protect your device from malware or other harmful programs.
  • Lock your devices: Set a password or PIN on your devices to keep them secure.

By following these guidelines, you can enjoy the benefits of the online world while keeping yourself safe. Remember, always be responsible and thoughtful when navigating the digital space, and don’t hesitate to ask for help if needed.