Online safety, in all cases, in schools and elsewhere, remains a paramount concern. Schools play a crucial role in raising awareness of the risks, highlighting the impact of behaviour when engaging with online technologies and educating children and young people about how to act appropriately and stay safe.

(DENI Circular 2016/27, Online Safety, December 2016)

Online Safety is one of the major factors affecting our pupils today.  As ‘Digital Natives’, our young people are spending an increasing amount of time engaging with online technologies.  As a school, we play a crucial role in educating children on the responsible use of technology, raising awareness of risks and how to report any unwanted behaviour or content.  It is also vital that all stakeholders are aware of these issues.

Our pupils are encouraged to recognise the potential of the technology in our lives and the opportunities afforded to enhance learning while at the same time learning and experiencing good practice.  We offer lessons across all key stages as well as raising awareness of Online Safety through events such as 'Safer Internet Day' and 'Sticks and Stones Week'.

As a school we are continuously monitoring new developments in the online world, offering up-to-date advice and updating and amending policy.

We encourage parents to take time to look at the useful links provided as appoint of reference for any questions or queries and attend our Online Safety events for parents and pupils.  Our school Twitter (X) feed also highlights the recent trends and any relevant advice or links.

Useful Links for Parents;

Internet Matters

Safer Internet

ThinkuKnow

Vodafone Digital Parenting

O2 Helping Keep Kids Safe Online

The Online Safety Show

PluggedIn

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