E-Safety

E-Safety
at Sacred Heart Primary School

Online Safety is an important part of keeping children safe at Sacred Heart and we take it very seriously. We have extensive security measures in place in school, which are monitored both internally and externally, to help safeguard pupils from potential dangers or unsuitable material. Any e-Safety incidents are recorded and staff will ensure pupils are safe and supported. If any concerns of misuse outside of school are reported to us, they are also recorded and measures are taken to ensure all pupils are aware of the positives and concerns of being online. Online Safety is taught to all pupils by explaining and demonstrating how to stay safe and behave appropriately online, including the use of social media.

We understand that online safety is much more than what is taught during our computing lessons and that is why rules and safety tips are reminded and discussed throughout all areas of the curriculum at all stages of learning. Our Nursery children may have access to tablets and mobile phones, so it is vital that they are taught safety rules (along with all of our children up to Year 6) at an appropriate level as well as engaging in regular communication with parents.

We can only be successful in keeping children safe online if we work with parents to ensure the Online Safety message is consistent. It is important that parents speak to their children about how they can keep safe and behave appropriately online.

There are a wide range of resources that can support you in engaging in conversations with your children about being safe online. It is also vital that parents are aware of how to set parental permissions on apps, websites and streaming services so that they can safely know that their child is seeing age-appropriate content.

Education is key for using the Internet responsibly. Children are less likely to report a problem if the Internet or technology has been banned. Working together on using it for the correct purposes and good intentions will mean that, if there is an issue, your child is more likely to inform you.

Here are some age-appropriate search engines for children to use when they are looking up things on the Internet. Whether it’s for homework or just for fun, these sites will be able to support learning in a safe, trusted way. It is always worth trying several search engines until you find what you are looking for.

Keeping your child safe

In order to keep your child safe, it is important to keep up to date with information on new technology, software, games and apps that your child may be using. Here are some websites and guides to support you in having clear, supportive conversations with your child.