The internet and other digital and information technologies including social media are powerful tools which open up new opportunities for everyone.
The use of these exciting and innovative tools in school and at home has been shown to raise educational standards and promote student achievement. New technologies help teachers and students learn from each other. They can stimulate discussion, promote creativity and effective learning.
Children and young people should have an entitlement to safe internet access at all times. The requirement to ensure that children and young people are able to use the internet and related communications technologies appropriately and safely is addressed as part of the wider duty of care to which all who work in schools are bound. The school’s ICT Acceptable Use policy helps to ensure safe and appropriate use.
Below are some useful web links which Teesside High School has used to help write policies, inform lesson plans and give advice to both children and parents regarding any aspect of online safety.
https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/ – A fantastic resource for parents to use with their children, categorised into ages, to keep young people safe online.
https://www.saferinternet.org.uk/ – Here you can find online safety tips, advice and resources to help children and young people stay safe online.
https://www.childnet.com/ – Helping to make the internet a great and safe place for children. Advice, tips and resources for parents and carers, teachers and young people.
https://www.ceop.police.uk/safety-centre/ – Worried about online sexual abuse or the way someone has communicated with you or a child online? Make a report here to a CEOP Child Protection Officer. This is a national crime agency.