E-Safety
At Summerside, we recognise that the use of technology is essential for our pupils and we are passionate about empowering children to become confident, global citizens who use the internet safely and responsibly. This goal can only be achieved when parents work alongside the school as partners in developing e-safety.
As a parent, it is vital that you are aware of what your child is using the internet for and that you are informed about how to ensure they are safe online. Open and ongoing communication about technology will ensure that children are kept safe and are free to enjoy the internet responsibly. Setting up parent controls and helping your child stay safe online are addressed at parents’ meetings, workshops and newsletters. There are many things you can do to keep your child safe online. As an absolute minimum, we recommend:
- Ensuring your child has ‘safe adults’ they are willing to talk to if they are feeling unsure, frightened or upset about something they have seen. This could be a parent, teacher or an agency like CEOP (Child Exploitation and Online Protection Command) or Childline.
- Children should not have access to their devices at bedtime/overnight.
- Parents should have access to all of their child’s online accounts and know all passwords. Parents should routinely review children’s internet accounts to ensure that they are not placing themselves at risk or being exploited by way of their activities online.
Remember that internet connection is included within smartphones, tablets, laptops and games consoles, not just computers, so the same precautions should be taken with them.
Summerside also recommend that parents have a look at the websites and guides below for more help and advice on keeping children safe online.
NSPCC (National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children)
UK Safer Internet Centre: to report and remove harmful online content
Learning Disabilities, Autism and Internet Safety: A Guide for Parents