Online Safety

CEOP is the government’s Child Exploitation and Online Protection centre, if you wish to report some inappropriate content or behaviour then click on the button and follow the directions on their pages.

 

 

A new industry backed website for parents is now available which gives you a good understanding of issues affecting children today. It is definitely worth a look: Internet Matters

 

(disclaimer: We have no control over the content of external websites.)

Computing and E-safety at Gilmorton

 

Computers are everywhere these days. No matter where we go, we struggle to escape their reach. And our children… they take to them so easily, so quickly. They are just not fazed by them. They are part of their worlds and as they grow, they will become ever more so.

 

At Gilmorton we know that we are not just teaching children for now, but for their futures as well.  Computers will certainly be a part of this future. We see the benefits computing can bring to the way we deliver learning, the way we engage with each other and with the outside world. It finds its way into nearly all areas of the school from school assemblies, music and art, to mathematics and science - and learning at home.

 

Computing at Gilmorton takes in a range of equipment and software which enables children to record audio and video, to manipulate it and share it; to create documents and images; to gather and manipulate data; to engage with others in the outside world; to write and debug programs and control objects both real and animated.

 

As part of our on-line learning provision we also make use of Google Workspace for Education and Google Classroom. During recent lockdowns these platforms have allowed us to continue the learning for children both in school and those at home.

 

We can not keep children in a perfectly safe computing bubble. We need to give them the skills to engage with computing and computers. We need to make them E-Safe.

 

We start in the Reception class, the children’s first year at school. We talk about who they are, how old they are, where they live; how this is their personal information and they need to keep it safe from others. We discuss what usernames and passwords are and that they should also keep them safe. We then give them access to their own space on our school networks and web spaces.

 

As they move through school, learning how to be E-Safe is revisited, revised and expanded upon. Each computing unit of work has some element of E-Safety embedded within it.

 

You can help your child – and yourself – become more E-Safe by keeping up to date with technology and with the issues surrounding their use.

 

Another helpful tip is to keep your device's software up to date. Running the newest version of software can help your device to react securely to new threats.

 

Remember that Facebook, tiktok, Instagram and similar sites have a minimum age requirement of 13 years of age for those signing up for an account. They are there to help keep your children safe. With this in mind our pupils should not have an account or be using these sites.

 

Also, at home keep your computers in a shared area so that you can keep in touch with what your children are doing on them and also how much time they are spending on them. Talk to your children about what sites/games they are using so that you can keep up to speed with them and also provide them with appropriate guidance as and when they need it.

 

The following ideas from the UK Safer Internet Centre are aimed at helping you to help your children: Advice and resources for parents and carers 

(disclaimer: We have no control over the content of external websites.)

 

We have shared the following Safety Posters with both Reception/Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 children. Why not put one up next to your computer at home and talk about it with your child?

 

 

KS1 e-safety poster

 

 

KS2 e-safety poster

 

(Thanks go to The Federation of The Downs and Northborne CEP Schools for the posters)

Online Safety Websites

 

The following web links provide a wealth of information for you and are provided by industry experts. Some of the sites focus on bullying but as part of this they also focus on online behaviours.(disclaimer: We have no control over the content of external websites.)

 

Childnet International: a non-profit organisation working with others to “help make the Internet a great and safe place for children”. A highly recommended source of advice for parents and carers. 

 

 

CBBC Own it: a website full of games, videos and other interactive content from the BBC.

 

 

 

UK Safer Internet Centre: Here you can find out the latest advice on how to use the internet and new technologies safely and responsibly. Also find a range of practical resources, news and events focussing on the safe and responsible use of the internet and new technologies.

 

Thinkuknow: The Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) Centre’s online safety site, where you will find advice and tips for children, adults and professionals of all ages.

 

Kidscape: A charity set up to deal specifically with bullying and child sexual abuse.

 

Bullying UK: A website aimed at providing guidance and support in regards to bullying.

 

Vodafone Digital Parenting: Vodafone have got together with a range of industry experts to provide you with helpful information and guidance on a range of e-safety topics.

 

Parent Zone: Parent Zone offer a range of guides, information, news and support for parents that focus on helping children and teenagers navigate the online world.