E- Safety

E Safety

As I said on my last blog protecting children from any dangers they might be exposed to whilst using the internet is very important. We are constantly hearing horror stories in the media about how vulnerable young people and children are if the correct safety precautions are not made.

 

What is e Safety?


E safety highlights that there is a need for children to be educated about the advantages and disadvantages of using information technology. E safety is concerned with not just the use of the internet but also games consoles, mobile phones and other wireless technology.

 
Each school should have an e safety policy which promotes the safe use of electronic communications and technological systems.

E safety has four main aims;

It wants new technologies to be taught and understood in a productive and creative way.

It is concerned with keeping children in safe in the technological world.

Making sure children are aware of the dangers that can whilst using ICT and helping them to feel confident and safe when going online.

Children should know how to conduct themselves safely when using ICT both in and out of school.

ICT IN THE CLASSROOM – E SAFETY

 

Who is responsible for eSafety in schools and what are the key issues?
E Safety is a whole school safeguarding responsibility. Teachers, support staff and trainees must all help to protect children from any dangers that children may encounter when using the internet. The potential risk facing children online are classified as the 3 C’s; Content, Conduct and Contact. The school community must promote using the internet safely in and out of school. All schools should have an eSafety policy to guide the staff in how to do this.
http://www.childnet.com/kia/primary/teachers.aspx

How are parents and carers informed about eSafety?
Schools should support parent and carers to have a greater understanding of eSafety issues. They can hold eSafety events which would address what they should be looking out for. Parent and Carers should be able to have a copy of the school’s eSafety which they could read in their own time.  There is also a lot of information online that could help them. A CD ROM has been made by kidsnet a company supported by the TDA which has been translated into 9 languages which can support parents.
https://www.education.gov.uk/publications/eOrderingDownload/signposts_safety_ks1and2.pdf

Where can parents find out about health and safety issues regarding their children’s use of the internet?
The Royal Society of Prevention of Accidents had some very useful information about the physical hazards and health risks which could occur when using a pc. I would advise them to use this website.
http://www.rospa.com/safetyeducation/adviceandinformation/computer-safety.aspx
 
What are the rules about photos of children on a school website?
It is necessary to get the permission from the parent or carer of a child before you put their image on a school website. You do not want to put any children at risk from their image being shown to the world.

http://www3.hants.gov.uk/cx-logos-corporatestandards/cx-logos-imagesofpeople/cx-logos-images-schools.htm

How long should you allow a child to work on a pc (in health and safety terms!)

From my research I have not found any statutory guidelines that give a certain amount of  time. In my experience children may get about to an hour in an ICT Suite and this has been quite satisfactory.