Online Safety

Overview

The internet has become an important part of children's lives, enabling them to research school projects, talk to their friends and access information from around the world. Internet development is constantly evolving with many websites enabling amazing creativity and interaction between peers.

Unfortunately though, there are times when Internet use can have a negative effect on children, parents and carers. Adults in schools should be aware of the potential dangers and be taking measures to ensure safe usage by all.

The children of Caldecote Church of England Academy are encouraged to use the internet as part of their learning. We organise regular e-safety activities within the school to remind the children of the importance of keeping themselves safe online and what they should do if they feel unsafe or uncomfortable with something they have seen.

Some Tips To Help At Home

Keep your computer in a shared area - Talk to your child about what they are doing online. If the computer is in a shared area it is easier for you to see what sites they are visiting.
Facebook and other social media sites - Many of these sites have a minimum age limit of 13 and as such none of our children should be using them.
Safe Searching - Check your computers settings and modify the search settings if necessary.

Guidance for parents

This page offers links and guidance on how to make sure our children stay safe when using technology. If you or your children ever have any issues which relate to the internet safety of any of our pupils please do not hesitate to contact your class teacher.

Child Exploitation and Online Protection website: http://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/
This provides information and resources on internet safety. There are areas for 5-7 year olds, 8-10 year olds and 11–16 year olds and all have games and videos promoting how to have fun on the internet safely. Most importantly, there’s also a place which anyone can use to report if they feel uncomfortable or worried about someone they are chatting to online.
Childnet International: www.childnet.com
Childnet International is a non-profit organisation working with others to help make the internet a safer place for children.
NSPCC Net Aware: https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/
Your guide to the social networks your kids use: Stay up to date and keep your child safe in today's digital world
Ask About Games: http://www.askaboutgames.com/
A website that helps families make sense of video games. We share real family stories about choosing games, understanding age ratings and the best way to enjoy them together. Find information and advice to make playing video games a more collaborative and creative experience.
Digital Parenting: http://www.vodafone.com/content/parents.html
Many parents are concerned about their lack of knowledge when it comes to information technology. For the past few years, Vodafone have issued a very informative magazine entitled “Digital Parenting”. This year’s edition focuses on The Modern Family – Staying safe and still having fun in a brave new, connected world.
Skips Safety Net https://safetynet.skipseducational.org/parent-guides/
Parent Info: http://parentinfo.org/
Information for parents to help children and young people stay safe online. Parent Zone was founded in 2005 and has a track record of providing information, support and advice to parents. In recent years, The Parent Zone's work has focused on the impact of digital technologies on families.
PEGI: https://pegi.info/
The Pan-European Game Information (PEGI) age rating system was established to help European parents make informed decisions on buying computer games
Internet Matters: http://www.internetmatters.org - support for parents and carers to keep their children safe online.
London Grid for Learning: http://www.lgfl.net - support for parents and carers to keep their children safe online.
UK Safer Internet Centre - http://www.saferinternet.org.uk - advice for parents and carers
LGFL (London Grid for Learning) Screens in the Earliest Years - https://safeblog.lgfl.net/screensinearliestyears - advice for families on use of screens for our youngest children.