The purpose of internet use in school is to raise educational standards, to promote pupil achievement, to support the professional work of staff and to enhance the schools management information and administration systems. The school asks all parents and children to read the Use of Internet guidelines which can be found by clicking on this link.
Internet use is part of the statutory curriculum and is a necessary tool for learning. It is an essential element in 21st Century life for education, business and social interaction. Access to the internet is therefore an entitlement for pupils who show a responsible and mature approach to its use.
In today’s world children have access to all sorts of technology with which they can communicate. Whether it be a games console, a mobile phone, a tablet or a traditional computer, children are engaging in activities which, whilst they may be fun, also have an element of risk to them. We accept that pupils will use the internet and social technology outside school and will therefore need to learn how to be safe and secure.
We teach lessons on digital literacy which is designed to help children understand how to make the right choices. However, due to the rapid growth in technology and trends we encourage parents to monitor closely what their children are doing online. To support families there are links below designed to educate parents and adults about such issues.
- Think You Know : For parents who would like advice on how to take care of their children’s safety and security when using the internet at home.
- Child Safety Online: A practical guide for parents and carers whose children are using social media.
- Net Aware: Excellent reviews and advice offered about the most popular networks, apps and games children are using. Updated regularly.
- Share Aware: NSPCC website with advice and videos to share with children about keeping safe online.
- Childnet: Information about parental controls and gaming.
- Internet Matters: Fantastic site which covers many aspects of internet safety, gaming (including online) and takes you through setting up parental controls on all gadgets in an easy to follow step by step guide.
- ACT early, Action Counters Terrorism information. Prevent is the Government’s programme aimed at safeguarding and supporting those vulnerable to radicalisation and extremism.
- Safer Internet: Information and advice on internet safety.
- Everybody Plays: Video gaming site with reviews for parents.
- Parents’ Guide to Instagram: A guide for parents about keeping safe when using Instagram.
- Latest Guidance for Families from Darlington Safeguarding Team: social media and instant messaging applications.
- Twitch: Data tells us that use of Twitch is growing in young people aged 9 – 11. As with any app, game of social network there are some concerns. Please find further information for you to use and share.
- Tik Tok: Take a look at a post about a very popular video production app/website. Further information about new, tougher parental controls can be found using the following link on the BBC website.
- Parental Controls for Android Phones – April 2021
- Parental Controls for IPhones – April 2021
