Online Safety
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Online Safety
Here at Westwood, we recognise that internet, mobile and digital technologies provide a good opportunity for children and young people to learn, socialise and play, but we also understand our responsibility to ensure our children are safe. The digital world is an amazing place, but with few rules. It is vast and fast moving and young people’s future economic success may be partly dependent on their online skills and reputation. We are, therefore, committed to ensuring that all pupils, staff and governors will be able to use internet, mobile and digital technologies safely. This is part of our safeguarding responsibility. Staff are aware that some pupils may require additional support or teaching, including reminders, prompts and further explanation to reinforce their knowledge and understanding of online safety issues.
We are also committed to ensuring that all those who work with children and young people, including their parents/carers, are informed about the ever-changing risks so that they can take an active part in the safeguarding of children.
Westwood Primary School Online Safety Policy
Kids’ Safety Zone
Sometimes things happen online that make us feel worried, scared or upset. Whatever has happened, it is not your fault. The best thing to do is tell an adult you trust how you are feeling and what has happened. They will be able to help you.
You already know that if you are ever worried about anything you come across on the internet, you can talk to any grown up in school. BUT if school is closed, what can you do to keep yourself safe?
ALWAYS STAY
SMART
Here are some websites where you can talk about any worries you might have, all you have to do is click on them:
Childline 
You can talk to Childline about anything, including any worries you have about your safety on the internet. No problem is too big or too small. It’s confidential and you don’t have to give your name if you don’t want to.
You can call them FREE on 0800 1111 or get in touch online at
www.childline.org.uk/get-support/contacting-childline/
CEOP
CEOP helps young people who are being abused or are worried that someone they’ve met is trying to abuse them.
If you’ve met someone online, or face to face, and they are putting you under pressure to do something you don’t want to do or making you feel uncomfortable you should report to CEOP.
They have a fantastic website where you can get tips and watch great videos on how to stay safe online. If you are worried you can click on the link below to get in touch with them.
www.thinkuknow.co.uk/4_7/asking-for-help/
Safety Net Kids
Safety Net asked 150 children and young people to tell them what worried them about cyberbullying and internet safety and created a website with top tips on how to deal with cyberbullying, how to stay safe online and how to stay safe using mobile phones.
Parents’/Carers’ Safety Zone
The following are a range of useful links for help and information on E-Safety issues:
Autumn 2015 saw the release of this excellent new website. It was developed out of a partnership between CEOP and The Parent Zone and contains lots of good E-Safety advice.
Here you will find e-safety tips, advice and resources to help children and young people stay safe on the internet.
An organisation working directly with children, parents and teachers to ensure that the issues of online child protection and the safe and positive use of the internet are addressed.
This is an essential site to visit if you are interested in e-safety. This gives you the latest information on the sites you like to visit, mobiles and new technology. This site also contains information and resources that are useful both in the classroom and at home. There is also a place which anyone can use to report if they feel uncomfortable or are worried about someone they are chatting to online. This site is run by the team at CEOP - Child Exploitation and Online Protection CentreEnter.
One in five young people have experienced bullying by text message or via email. This web site gives advice for children and parents on cyberbullying.
www.nspcc.org.uk/what-we-do/about-us/partners/nspcc-o2-online-safety-partnership
The NSPCC has joined forces with O2 to provide a great website with tips on how to talk to your child about online safety and what to do if you have concerns.
Lots of guidance and articles for parents about keeping their children safe online.
Mental Health and Wellbeing
Purple Mash has recently added an advice leaflet for parents to their website -
A Parent's Guide to Wellbeing.
It provides guidance and support regarding important conversations around mental health and wellbeing with your child and can be accessed via the link below.
News!
The NSPCC have introduced a new Report Remove tool whereby children, young people and adults can report nude images of them that are circulating social media and ensure they are taken down.
You can access this Tool at the following link:
Don't forget
You can also access lots of advice and information on E-Safety as well as general computing issues at the Parents' Hub on Purple Mash.
