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    • Online Safety

    As children move up through school, their access to various types of technology increases, and it stands to reason that their exploration and curiosity increases too. The positives of the digital world overwhelmingly outweigh the negatives, but children, schools and parents all need to be aware of various online risks. At Heathland Primary Academy and Pre-school, we teach children about online safety in every year group at an age-appropriate level as part of the Computing and PSHE curriculum. The safe use of social media and the internet will also be covered in other subjects where relevant. We use assemblies/worships to raise pupils’ awareness of how to engage with online content and navigate the internet responsibly and safely, and we may also invite speakers to talk to pupils about this.

    Keeping Children Safe Online

    We take online safety seriously and have measures in place to help protect pupils while using technology in school:

    • Internet filtering systems are used on school devices
    • Supervised access to online content and resources
    • Clear expectations for safe and responsible use of technology (acceptable use agreement)
    • Regular staff training on online safety and safeguarding

    ‘1 in 5 internet users in the UK are children.’

    Advice for Children

    We encourage all children to remember these simple rules:

    • Always tell an adult if something online makes you feel uncomfortable or worried: ‘block, report, tell’.
    • Never share personal information such as your name, address, school or passwords.
    • Be kind and polite when talking to others online.
    • Stop and think before clicking on links or buttons.
    • Remember that not everyone online is who they say they are.
    • Prioritise your health and take regular screen breaks.

    Advice for Parents and Carers

    Parents and carers play a vital role in helping children stay safe online. We recommend that you:

    • Talk regularly with your child about their online activities.
    • Keep devices in shared family spaces where possible.
    • Monitor age-restrictions and review content to ensure it is age-appropriate. 
    • Use parental controls and privacy settings.
    • Agree boundaries for screen time and online use.
    • Encourage children to speak up if something doesn’t feel right.

    Useful Online Safety Resources

    The following websites provide trusted advice and guidance for families:

    Safer Internet Day

    Safer Internet Day is a great opportunity every year for schools and parents to focus on online safety with children, whatever their age. Safer Internet Day takes place in February with celebrations and learning based around a theme linked to online safety.

    Other useful links

    The Partnership has an IT and Communications Systems Policy which can be found on the Coastal Learning Partnership website here.

    The Parent Code of Conduct can be found here. This outlines the expectations of all communications via email and on social media.

    The Acceptable use of the ICT Network, school systems and Internet Agreement can be found here.

    Concerns or Questions

    If you have any concerns about online safety or would like further advice, please contact the school's Online Safety Champion, Mrs Harris, by contacting the school office: heathlands@coastalpartnership.co.uk

    By working together, we can help our children develop safe, positive and confident online habits.

    Top Tips for Online Safety

    • NEVER give details of your age, gender or location online.
    • Do not pretend to be much older than you are.
    • Do not tell anyone which school you attend.
    • Do not talk to anyone that you don’t know in real life.
    • NEVER arrange to meet anyone that you have met online.

    For more advice visit the following websites (just click on the website names):

    UK Safer Internet Centre.  This website has three main functions: an Awareness Centre, a Helpline and a Hotline.

    The Hector's World Safety Button allows children to use the internet safely. 

    Sharing pictures online sharing content and asking permission to use pictures online more safely

    Below are some links children will find useful.  

    New Childline Website for Under 12s

    Childline has launched a website aimed at children under the age of 12. This provides age appropriate content on topics including: bullying, family, friends, feelings, school, abuse and staying safe. It also includes games and therapeutic tools for young visitors to play and express how they are feeling. It will be promoted through the NSPCC's Speak out Stay safe programme.

    https://www.childline.org.uk/kids

    Online safety

    It can be hard to know how to talk to your child about online safety. From setting up parental controls to advice on sexting, online games and video apps, we can help you to understand the risks and keep your child safe.

    Use this website to help you deal with any of these issues.

    https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety

    We know that a lot of children enjoy playing Roblox and there is always a concern over young children playing games online. The article below is information and support for parents who wish to setting up parental controls and encouraging healthy online play.

    As a lot of the children will have been spending more time online, you might have been having more conversations about online safety. The link below is a useful tool as it is designed especially for parents to deliver online safety messages at home. The best way you can protect your child is to establish a positive relationship with them around their life online. Talk to them – not just once but have ongoing conversations as part of your family life.

     

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