Technology is an important part of children’s lives. Here at Sandown school, we take broad measures to safeguard our children from potential dangers and unsuitable material as well as helping children develop the knowledge, skills and confidence they need to use technology safely, responsibly and positively.
Safety in the digital world is key to the Computing curriculum and is taught throughout the year as part of our Computing curriculum, alongside PSHE and other areas of school life. We want our children to become safe, respectful and responsible digital citizens who know how to make good choices online.
Our children learn about:
- Self-Image and Identify
- Online Relationships
- Online Reputation
- Online Bullying
- Managing Information Online
- Health, Well-being and Lifestyle,
- Privacy and Security
- Copywrite and Ownership
To view our Computing online safety overview see the School Life, Curriculum, Computing page.
We encourage children to remember the SMART rules when using the internet:
-
S – Safe
Keep personal information private and never share passwords. -
M – Meet
Never arrange to meet someone you have only met online without talking to a trusted adult. -
A – Accepting
Think carefully before opening messages, links, files or downloads. -
R – Reliable
Remember that not everything online is true. Check information and ask an adult if you are unsure. -
T – Tell
Always tell a trusted adult if something online worries, upsets or scares you.
We train our staff and keep our policies and acceptable use policies up to date. We also recognise the importance of online safety at home as parents and carers play a key role in helping children develop safe and healthy digital habits.
We recommend parents and carers:
- Checking privacy and parental-control settings.
- Talking regularly with your child about what they do online.
- Knowing which apps, games and websites your child uses.
- Checking the age rating of games, apps and films before allowing your child to use them.
- Remembering that age restrictions are there for a reason – many social media platforms and messaging services have a minimum age of 13.
- Encouraging children to keep devices out of their bedroom at night where appropriate.
- Agreeing sensible boundaries around screen time.
- Reminding children never to share their full name, address, school, passwords or other personal information online.
- Encouraging children to come to you if something online makes them uncomfortable.
Most importantly, keep the conversation open and positive. Children are much more likely to talk about something that has gone wrong if they know they will be listened to and supported.
Advice for children and parents
Thinkuknow has advice about staying safe online
Advice for parents
- Help your child stay safe online - Kids Online Safety, this Gov.uk page provides practical information on the steps parents/carers can take to protect children online
- NSPCC has a guide to apps, games and social media sites
- Childnet has advice for parents including supporting young people with SEND online
- CBeebies has easy to follow tips to keep your children safe online
- Internet Matters has practical tips to keep children safe and help them get the most from the digital world
- Click CEOP has guidance on how to ensure safe, effective and child-centred delivery of online safety education
App guides for families
Click here for a collection of guides that provides parents and carers with key information about the most popular social media and gaming apps children and young people are using today.
#WakeUpWednesday is a weekly initiative by The National College that provides free informational guides, videos, and resources for parents, carers, and educators.
Our Acceptable Use Policies (AUP)