Internet Safety for Parents

New technologies inspire children to be creative, communicate and learn. However, while the internet is a great resource, it is important that children and young people are protected from the risks they may encounter.

What is Internet Safety?

Internet Safety is often defined as the safe and responsible use of technology. This includes the use of the internet and also other means of communication using electronic media (e.g text messages, gaming devices, email etc.)

Pupils have ever increasing access to communication technology both in and out of school. As such we feel that it is important to teach the children to use technology safety and respectfully and guide them where to go for help and support if they are concerned about content or contact on the internet or other technologies.

The same approach needs to be applied with respect to internet safety as we would to road safety, we need to prepare children in advance of the potential problems. Teaching responsible use of technology is important, as is alerting pupils to the potential consequences of irresponsible use.

Internet Safety at Home

Eliot Bank works in partnership with parents to educate the children about internet safety and help keep them safe when using technology.

The internet is always changing, and being able to keep up to date with your children’s use of technology can be a challenge, especially if you feel that your children may have better technical skills than you do. However, children and young people still need support and guidance when it comes to managing their lives online and using the internet positively and safely.

A simple and effective way to get involved with your children and their lives online is through discussion.  By maintaining an open dialogue with your child and encouraging them to talk to you about their internet use parents can help children access the amazing resources the internet has to offer whilst keeping them safe online.

One of the best ways to start a conversation about the information contained on the internet and alerting children to the potential consequences of irresponsible use is to discuss the  age appropriate Rules for ICT Use (EYFS, KS1 or KS2).

Internet Safety at School

Internet Safety is woven into our Computing curriculum. To support this learning, Eliot Bank also have a discrete Internet Safety curriculum which was developed as a collaboration between the Computing team and PHSE team. In addition to this , we have an extra focus on internet safety at the time of National Internet Safety week in February, where we often have external companies in to deliver specialised workshops to the pupils.

When a child starts at Eliot School we ask the child to sign our EYFS, KS1 or KS2 Rules for Responsible Use.

Whilst at school your child is protected in many ways:

    • Children are taught about appropriate content during Computing and PSHE lessons
    • Internet filtering through the London Grid for Learning
    • Virus Protection

We also ask that parents sign the Parents’ internet safety Home School Agreement for Parents / Carers when a child starts at Eliot Bank School.

For more information about online safety at school, please read our Online Safety Policy.

Concerns
Has someone done something online that has made you or a child or young person you know, feel worried or unsafe?

Make a report to one of CEOP’s experienced Child Protection Advisors by clicking on the ‘Click CEOP button’.

CEOP is a command of the National Crime Agency, and is dedicated to tackling the sexual abuse and exploitation of children and young people. CEOP is here to help young people (up to age 18) who have been forced or tricked into taking part in sexual activity with anyone online or in the real world. We also offer advice and links to support in response to other online problems young people might face, such as cyberbullying or hacking. For information, advice and to report concerns directly to CEOP, visit the Safety Centre by clicking on the ‘Click CEOP button’.

Further Information

For more information about how you can help keep you child safe online please look at the following;

Documents

Websites