Online safety is an all-important aspect of both our own and our children’s lives. The online world provides an endless array of opportunities and possibilities for us to connect, explore, share and learn and the way that children and adults use these is ever-changing.
At Westbourne House we take the education of our pupils in matters of online safety very seriously. Lessons in ICT, Learning4Life and right across the curriculum include discussions about various aspects of online safety, and provide the pupils with a safe environment in which to air their thoughts and concerns. In addition, we offer a bi-annual e-safety talk for parents.
At the very core of our message is how to identify when things are unsafe, or have got out of hand and where to go if they find themselves in a situation they are uncomfortable with. Just like crossing the road, we don’t tell children not to do it, we teach them how to navigate the potential dangers.
Monitoring and Filtering
At Westbourne House we have powerful monitoring and filtering tools that we are confident provide adequate protection not only from misuse but from malware and similar attacks. It should be acknowledged, however, that no protection is 100% effective.
Part of our Safeguarding umbrella is an Internet Safety group that receives weekly reports from the Network Manager and audits the provision. This is headed by the DSL and consists of the Headmaster, the Governor with responsibility for Safeguarding, the Network Manager and effectively all staff who assist in monitoring the children’s use of the internet.
Being Prepared - Useful Links
Parents often ask: “How do I monitor my child’s use of the Internet at home and manage their screen time?”
The following sites and links are useful resources to get yourself up to speed on controls to put in place, conversations to have and agreements to make with your child.
Should you need help, even after following the links supplied, please make contact with the Safeguarding Team or the Pastoral Team through the school office or email help@westbournehouse.org
Live My Digital
The Girls' Day School Trust has created 'Live My Digital', a unique video series for parents to help their children to stay safe online. The series consists of twelve short films (six each for parents and children) to empower families to use social media safely and responsibly.
The videos look at the ways in which the internet and digital technology can be used positively by young people, as well as identifying the potential issues they may face. The most critical themes in online safety today are covered, including:
- Cyberbullying
- The digital footprint
- Identity and self-esteem
- Relationships and grooming
- Security and privacy
- Sexting
We hope that the films, together with the downloadable online safety factsheets, will help encourage and support open discussions in your family about how to enjoy the online environment, whilst staying safe.
Wellbeing Hub
You, as parents, and our Pastoral Team have a first-class resource available in the Wellbeing Hub from Teen Tips. Access is free for our parents.
Internet Matters
- Guidance to help you find out more about your child's digital life by age: Internet Matters
- Supporting young girls' wellbeing ages 9 & 10
- Mobile device health check for children's phones and tablets
Thinkuknow
Thinkuknow is the education programme from NCA-CEOP, a UK organisation which protects children both online and offline.
UK Safer Internet Centre
Visit www.saferinternet.org.uk to find online safety tips, advice and resources to help children and young people stay safe online.
Share aware campaign
The NSPCC has launched a new video Be Share Aware, which gives safety advice from a 10 year old to raise awareness and give parents and carers the confidence and skills to talk to their child about staying safe online.
Department for Science, Innovation & Technology
Advice on home security
Advice on involving 7-11 year olds in cyber security