As a school we understand the benefits technology can have on enhancing the curriculum and pupils’ learning; however, we must ensure that pupils respect school property and use technology appropriately. To achieve this, we have created this acceptable use agreement which outlines our expectations of pupils when using technology, whether this is on personal or school devices and on or off the school premises.
However, as a school we are committed to ensuring that students are safe when using the internet at Salmons Brook School. Nonetheless, much of a child’s internet usage occurs outside of school, and we ask parents/carers to be interested, supportive and vigilant to their children’s usage. This page has been designed to give you information that will support you in this role.
Children and young people go online to connect with friends, and make new ones, to browse the internet for information, chat with others and play games.
- Search for information or content on search engines, such as Google and Bing
- Share images and watch videos through websites or mobile apps like Instagram, YouTube, Snapchat and TikTok
- Use social networking websites like WhatsApp, Instagram and Facebook
- Play games alone or with others through websites, apps or game consoles
- Chat and share live video of themselves with other people through online games, game consoles, and social media.
- The devices, apps, websites and online social media that young people use are constantly evolving. For the most up-to-date advice, we recommend that parents / carers use the range of guides for found at https://saferinternet.org.uk/guide-and-resource/parents-and-carers
- and also at www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/#guides
You can also access information outlined on Enfield council’s website. Keeping your child safe online | Safeguarding Enfield
When online, children and young people can learn new things, get help with homework, express themselves creatively and connect with friends and family. However, there are also risks. By understanding and talking about the dangers you can help keep your child safe online. Potential risks include:
- Exposure to pornography and explicit images
- Coerced online child sexual abuse
- Sexting and sharing of nude and inappropriate images
- Exposure to extremist and terrorist material
- Grooming
- Gambling
- Online bullying, trolling and abuse
- Excessive spending on ‘in-app’ purchases
Understanding the potential risks and encouraging safe and responsible use of the internet are crucial steps towards ensuring the safety of your child. Parents and carers play a key role in supporting children to learn about how to stay safe online, and they are one of the first people children turn to if things go wrong. We know it can be difficult to stay on top of the wide range of sites and devices that young people use, so we hope that the following advice helps.
- Have ongoing conversations with your children about staying safe online
- Carry out spot checks on the devices that your children use, looking at images, videos, and social media
- Use safety tools on social networks and other online services, e.g. privacy settings
- Decide if you want to use parental controls on your home internet
- Understand devices and the parental control tools they offer. A useful guide can be found on the UK Safer Internet Centre website: https://saferinternet.org.uk/online-issue/parental-controls
More resources for parents can be found below:
Parents can download free online safety resources at: Child Exploitation Online Protection Centre (CEOP) CEOP Education
Childnet — Online safety for young people
Parent Zone | At the heart of digital family life
NSPCC | The UK children's charity | NSPCC
Keep Children Safe Online: Information, Advice, Support - Internet Matters
