Keeping Safe Online
Our approach
The Russett School recognises that Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and the Internet are fantastic tools for learning that can be used to enhance the curriculum, challenge pupils, and support creativity and independence. Using ICT to interact socially and share ideas can benefit everyone in the academy community, but it is important that the use of the internet and ICT is seen as a responsibility and that pupils/students, staff and parents use it appropriately and practice good online safety. It is important that all members are aware of the risks associated with using the internet and how they should conduct themselves online. Online safety covers the internet but it also covers mobile phones and other electronic communications technologies. At The Russett School we are proud to have gained the 360 Safe Online Safety Mark which means that we are able to show good practice in our online safety policy and procedures. Good policies and practice are embedded within the ethos of the academy and understood by all stakeholders. There is a commitment to online safety from the leadership team and the Local Governing Committee with safe practice embedded within academy policies.
At the Russett School we recognise the importance of finding the balance between controlling access to the internet and technology and allowing freedom to explore and use these tools to their full potential. Online safety is taught and embedded across the whole curriculum. We take the issue of cyber-bullying seriously and our approach to this can be found within our Anti-Bullying Policy.
The internet can be used to raise educational standards, to promote pupil achievement, to support the professional work of staff and to enhance the academy’s management functions. Technology is advancing rapidly and is now a huge part of everyday life, education and business. We want to equip our pupils with all the necessary ICT skills that they will need in order to enable them to progress confidently into adulthood and potentially a professional working environment after they leave the academy.
At home
As a parent or carer you’ll know how important the internet is to children – they use it to learn, play, socialise and express themselves. It’s a highly creative place of amazing opportunities. But the technology children use every day can seem a bit daunting and you might worry about the risks your child can face online – such as bullying, contact from strangers or the possibility of them seeing illegal or inappropriate content.
Here are some conversation starter ideas:
- Ask your children to tell you about the sites they like to visit and what they enjoy doing online.
- Ask them about how they stay safe online. What tips do they have for you, and where did they learn them? What is OK and not OK to share?
- Ask them if they know where to go for help, where to find the safety advice, privacy settings and how to report or block on the services they use.
- Encourage them to help. Perhaps they can show you how to do something better online or they might have a friend who would benefit from their help and support.
- Think about how you use the internet as a family. What could you do to get more out of the internet together and further enjoy your lives online
FURTHER READING
Please see our policy section for our Online Safety Policy
The following websites also provide a range of information support and resources relating to Online Safety:
- Ditto e-safety newsletter4
- National Online Safety Hub – Gaming
- National Online Safety Hub – bullying
- National Online Safety Hub – online-relationships
- National On line Safety Hub – online-reputation
- National On line Safety Hub – social-media
- NSPCC – Cyberbullying information
- Help and Advice for families in a digital world
- https://www.net-aware.org.uk/
- https://www.internetmatters.org/inclusive-digital-safety/advice-for-parents-and-carers/
- https://www.internetmatters.org/hub/esafety-news/tik-tok-app-safety-what-parents-need-to-know/
- https://www.commonsensemedia.org/articles/parents-ultimate-guide-to-tiktok