The internet is a fantastic place overflowing with knowledge, games and communities of people, and, just like pupils across the country, the pupils here at The West Park Academy enjoy time using the internet within our academy and at home.
We value computing within our academy and encourage our children to experience different ways of accessing modern technology. From laptops to tablets, our children are able to access a wealth of resources and explore different technologies to suit their learning styles…
…This is why it is important pupils learn how to be safe when browsing online and becoming members of online communities. The eSafety of our children is of paramount importance to the academy and something that we monitor and revisit regularly. We also work closely with Lorna Naylor, Nottinghamshire County Council to ensure that we are up to date with current advice and practice. Our On-line Safety Policy explains how we do this and is available for you to download on our policies page.
We know that parents and carers will also be very concerned that their children are protected and safe when using the Internet, both in our academy and at home. We have added some documents- which can be found in the above boxes- that contain useful information on how to keep your children safe, tips on how to initiate conversations around the subject of On-line Safety and specific advice on online gaming. We have also included various links opposite that will direct you to further information from external organisations.
Should your child encounter any difficulties online, or if you have any general questions, we have an appointed ‘Online Safety Lead’, which is Miss Katie Gardner-Howard (k.gardner-howard@westparkacademy.co.uk)
Cyberbullying is bullying that takes place via technology. As a parent/carer it can be difficult to know who to turn to for help and advice. CEOP and other experts in this field offer this advice and practical steps on how to protect and support their child if they are being cyberbullied.
COMMON SENSE MEDIA
Common Sense is dedicated to helping kids thrive in a world of media and technology. Media and technology are at the very centre of all our lives today — especially our children’s. Learning how to use media and technology wisely is an essential skill for life and learning in the 21st century. Common Sense Media helps families make smart media choices. They offer the largest, most trusted library of independent age-based and educational ratings and reviews for movies, games, apps, TV shows, websites, books, and music. Their Parent Concerns and Parent Blog help families understand and navigate the problems and possibilities of raising children in the digital age.
NSPCC
The NSPCC has a wealth of information on their website to support parents on a wide range of issues. The Share Aware section is very useful for parents on advising children what not to share (especially the sort of selfies that are not appropriate). Please do not supply a direct link.
NET AWARE
This is a section of the NSPCC site that reviews social Networks that children use. It will help you to make an informed choice about the suitability of social networks.
ADVICE FROM UK SAFER INTERNET CENTRE
Parents and carers play a key role in supporting children to learn about how to stay safe online, and they are one of the first people children turn to if things go wrong. Uk Safer Internet Centre know it can be difficult to stay on top of the wide range of sites and devices that young people use, so they hope that the following advice helps.
FOUR STEPS
For further information see the saferinternet.org site
For more information regarding any of the following please click on the appropriate links listed in the sidebar
If using an Apple device (iPod touch, Mini, n Generation) you can limit the websites that you would want your child to access. Here’s where to find out how:
Most internet providers have security controls for parents to help you choose the right level of protection for your child. You can control age appropriate content. See links below to find out how for different devices: Block adult web content in iOS7 Be Web Smart
