Keeping Safe Online

New technology is integral to the lives of children and young people in today’s society, both within schools and in their lives outside school. These technologies can stimulate discussion, foster creativity and generate awareness of context to promote effective learning.

Unfortunately, they can also pose a danger to young people and give access to a wide range of harmful activity. Schools and parents have a duty to protect our students from from these dangers.

At Belmont School we have an ICT Acceptable Use Policy Agreement for pupils to follow and we also ask parents to support and promote the positive use of computers, tablets and mobile phones.

Online safety features throughout the curriculum and is specifically taught as part of our PSHE lessons. In addition, Belmont takes part in the annual national Safer Internet Day when pupils are exposed to a range of experiences in order to learn about the ‘dos and don’ts’ of staying safe online, within a safe environment at school.

Staff members at Belmont receive regular updates regarding safety online. The lead teacher in this subject attends an annual online safety conference and our ICT policy is regularly reviewed by our Local Advisory Board to ensure we are doing all we can to keep pupils safe.

There are many websites where you can go to get advice on how to set parental controls on devices including X-Box and Playstations – helpful tips and advice are available on the following link:

• https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/

The following are also useful guides for parents and carers:

• https://www.internetmatters.org/inclusive-digital-safety/advice-for-parents-and-carers/supporting-children-with-send/
• Social Media & Mental Health
• Instagram Guide
• SnapChat Guide
• Tik Tok Guide