See our school’s Online Safety Policy

See also Pages 32-34 Part 2 and Annex D KCSIE See also ‘Teaching Online Safety In Schools’ (non-statutory guidance)

​

Technology is a significant component in many safeguarding and well-being issues. Children are at risk of abuse online as well as face to face. In many cases abuse will take place concurrently via online channels and in daily life.

 

Children can abuse their peers online, this can take the form of abusive, harassing and misogynistic messages, the consensual and non-consensual sharing of indecent images and the sharing of abusive images and pornography, to those who do not want to receive such content.

 

Responding to online safety concerns

Staff will follow our safeguarding procedures as outlined in Part 1 of this document. Staff should also be aware of the additional guidance in Part 2 under ‘peer on Peer abuse, where additional guidance is provided, in relation to responding to concerns about the sharing of indecent images via mobile devices.

 

What are the school's responsibilities around online safety?

 

This school recognises:-

· the increasing role technology has to play in education and children's daily lives

· the wide-range of content which is available to children via the internet

· that alongside the benefits of technology, there are also risks

· the importance of delivering a broad and relevant online safety curriculum which provides progression across year groups

· that delivery of this curriculum must be provided via regular lessons, which take place throughout each term

· the importance of keeping up to date with the tools, apps and devices children are using so that the curriculum which is offered is meaningful

· that online safety must be reflected in all relevant school policies

 

What our online safety curriculum offers

· Our online safety curriculum covers four aspects of risk – content, contact, conduct and commerce (see page 32 KCSIE for definitions) · Key online safety messages (such as Childnet’s SMART rules) which are reinforced at every opportunity across the curriculum, in assemblies, PSHE lessons

· Pupils are taught in all lessons to be critically aware of the materials and content they access on-line and understand that not everything they see online is true

· Pupils are supported in building resilience to radicalisation. A safe environment is provided for debating controversial issues and helping them to understand how they can influence and participate in decision-making.

 

Filters and monitoring

RM filtering

 

Use of mobile technology

Use of SWGFL mobile technologies policy

 

Use of technology during partial school closure/lockdowns.

This school recognises:-

· the increasing role technology has to play in education and children's daily lives, and the increased use during times of lockdown due to Covid

· the wide-range of content which is available to children via the internet

· that alongside the benefits of technology, there are also risks

 

For those who are not physically attending school during partial school closure, we recognise that these pupils will be spending increased time online, either participating in school work, taking part in live streaming of lessons and/or as part of extended ‘free-time’ due to lockdown procedures in place nationally.

 

We recognise that this will pose increased risk to children, including:-

· Grooming

· Exploitation, both criminal and sexual

· Radicalisation

· Peer on peer abuse, including cyber-bullying

· Sexual harassment

 

All staff who interact with pupils/students, including remote interactions, will continue to be vigilant and look out for signs that a child’s safety and welfare might be at risk. Further guidance to keep pupils/students and staff safe when working remotely can be found in the Safer Working Practice.

 

In addition, pupils are sign-posted to age appropriate practical support should they have worries or concerns whilst online. Links to support include:-

UK Safer Internet Centre Hotline

Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre

Parentzone