E-safety within school
We take all aspects of e-safety very seriously at St Edmund Arrowsmith Catholic High School and take great care to protect all students, staff and stakeholders where matters of e-safety may arise.
E-safety forms part of our computing and personal development curriculums within school. We cover many aspects of e-safety from cyber bullying to cyber security, with the ultimate aim of ensuring our young people know how to protect themselves both personally and financially whilst online.
Since technology is ever changing and growing our curriculum focuses on the knowledge and behaviours that help young people to navigate the online world safely and confidently regardless of the app, platform or device they are on. Knowledge and behaviours explored includes:
How to evaluate what they see online
How to recognise techniques used for persuasion
Understanding acceptable and unacceptable online behaviour
How to identify online risks
How and when to seek support, including reporting to CEOP
St Edmund Arrowsmith Catholic High School has a whole school policy for the use of all electronic devices that all students, staff and stakeholders are expected to adhere to. In addition we have a staff policy for the use of IT that takes in aspects of social networks and the implications of its use on school life. We have a number of systems in place in school that help ensure that students are safe and sensible in their use of electronic devices. Our internet access is filtered and monitored on every device used to gain access to the internet, including computers, tablets and smart phones. Emails are monitored and filtered and students are aware that supervision can take place if misuse is suspected. Several members of staff are recognised CEOP Ambassadors, trained to give advice and help when issues arise.
Protecting your social media accounts
Social networking is one of the most popular uses of the internet for young people, these platforms collect an array of personal details upon signing up. Many people will then go onto share even more personal information through social media. Therefore, it is important that any accounts you may have are kept as private and secure as possible. You can view information on how to change your settings on the links below:
How can you support your child at home
Extract from CEOP's Think U Know website for parents:
"As your child grows and becomes more independent, it is only natural that they take this independence online. In our teenage years we explore, try new things and sometimes push boundaries and take risks, this is an essential part of growing up.
With all of the potential that the online world and new technology offers, young people now have access to huge opportunities. They use technology to express themselves, explore, and be creative; it has changed the way they communicate.
The internet has changed all of our lives, and your child has grown up during this change. Many of the things that confuse, baffle or even scare us, are part of the everyday for them. For many of us, this can all be a bit too much.
Whether you’re a technophobe or a technophile, it’s still likely that you’ll be playing catch-up with the way your child is using the internet.
You might wonder whether what they are doing is safe, and you might also be thinking how can I be as good a parent online as I am offline?"
Utilise the links and resources below to find advice about specific platforms, apps and issues. Many of the websites have a search facility built into them that will enable you to find specific advice. There are many help guides, videos and resources available that will help you and your child navigate the digital world.
Useful Links and Resources
Net aware General online safety information. Tips and advice on how to stay safe on different social media, apps and game platforms.
Safer Internet - E-safety tips, advice and resources to help children and young people stay safe on the internet.
CEOP - National agency concerned with online protection of children.