E-Safety For STUDENTS
Using the Internet Safely
We all use technology in our everyday lives, and it is vital that we are able to use it safely. In the event that we feel unsafe about something, we need to know what to do.
Through assembly and tutorials, you will discuss the potential issues, hazards, and precautions you can take when spending time in online environments such as chat rooms, online gaming worlds, IM, online shopping, email, SMS, and social networking sites.
The academy has an acceptable use policy (AUP) that endeavours to ensure maximum online safety whilst we are in the school environment by educating all our users and preventing access to non-educational sites.
Using the internet
- Do not give out your details online. This includes your username, email, telephone number, pictures, where you live etc.
- Anything you give out usually stays on the internet for a long time and cannot be deleted, this is particularly important with pictures & videos.
- Keep your anti-virus software up to date (nag your parents/carers! – You can usually buy it cheap from eBay)
- Make sure you keep your settings to private (e.g., Facebook).
- People can easily lie and pretend to be someone they are not, do not do and say things that you would not do offline in real life – it could get you into trouble.
- Do not meet up with strangers you meet online without an adult you can trust.
Emails/messages
- Do not open emails or messages from people you do not know.
- If something is too good to be true, it usually is and is best ignored.
- Spam/junk mail usually contain tricks and lies, and often trick you into clicking on links.
- Do not open attachments in emails from people you do not know. They could contain viruses that could destroy your hard drive or install software that watches everything you do (spyware) including your passwords.
- Spyware watches for usernames, passwords, bank login details and more. The attachments could be images or movies for adults, not usually a good thing.
- Report an email you think is a scam or phishing. If you have received an email that you’re not quite sure about speak to a member of staff and/or forward it to report@phishing.gov.uk
Getting help
- If something happens that you do not like or makes you feel uncomfortable – tell someone – it is never too late.
- There are people who can help. You can speak to your parents, teacher/tutor or make an official report to the police via CEOP about sexual abuse.
- Child Exploitation and Online Protection centre - report concerns to CEOP using the "Click CEOP" button
- Online Safety – Fact sheet and guidance
- Online mental health advice and support 24/7 with Kooth
- https://www.childnet.com/ - Helping make the internet a great and safe place for children and young people
- Childline - NSPCC Childline Service - You can contact Childline about anything. Whatever your worry, it's better out than in. We're here to support you. - Call 0800 1111
- Professionals Online Safety Helpline - for professionals who work with children and young people in the UK, specifically tackling online safety concerns
- Report Harmful Content - Provides further support to users over the age of 13 who have already submitted a report to industry regarding harmful content and would like outcomes reviewed
- https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/4_7/ - E-safety advice for 4 to 7 years old.
- https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/8_10/ - E-safety advice for 8 to 10 years old.
- https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/11_18/ - E-safety advice for 11 to 18 years old.
Further Information
We have compiled a list of more advice on specific topics here:
- Brighten Someones Day Online
- Check in with Your Friends
- Loneliness Online What Causes It and Ways to Feel Better
- Online Safety for Under 5s 10 Top Tips for Parents and Carers
- sharing kindness online
- Spotting Ads on Social Media