Electronic safety has never been more important
E-Safety is about the safe and responsible use of ICT (including the internet and mobile phones). Children potentially have access to the internet through a variety of locations, home, libraries, school and not forgetting through other technologies such as mobile phones and game consoles. Using this technology brings many benefits to children, however it is not without its risks. It is important that users of this technology, be they children or adults, understand the risks and dangers and how these can be safely managed.
E-safety has a high priority at WOA and we ensure that all students and staff learn the essentials about e-safety. Students will receive advice and guidance appropriate to their age during their ICT lessons and assemblies. E-safety is also part of the safeguarding agenda at WOA.
Advice for parents
- Know what your children are doing online – regularly check their mobile devices.
- Have regular chats with your child regarding online safety.
- Check that your child’s social networking sites are set on private and you have set parental controls to match their age.
- Discuss digital footprint, as everything you do online leaves a footprint. (a digital footprint is a trail of data you create while using the internet, it includes the websites you visit, e-mails you send, and information you submit to online services.)
- Ask them to teach you to use any applications.
- Consider keeping the computer in a family room — this means you can keep more control of what they do (e.g. using a webcam).
- All parents are welcome to contact the schools safeguarding team or ICT department if they would like to discuss or get advice on e-safety. Parent evenings is also a place where you can discuss and get advice on e-safety issues. We would like to share useful information and advice on keeping you and your child safe when using technology.
Advice for students
- Don’t share your password with anyone.
- Only accept friend requests from people you know.
- Don’t meet someone you have only spoken to online, it can be dangerous.
- Don’t post anything you wouldn’t want your parents, teachers or employer to see.
- Accepting e-mails, files, pictures or texts from people you don’t know can cause problems.
- Be authentic. The real you is better than anything you might pretend to be.
- Learn about privacy settings and review them often.