Online Safety
ICT in the 21st Century has an all-encompassing role within the lives of children and adults. New internet and online technologies are enhancing communication and the sharing of information.
Current and emerging Internet and online technologies used in school and, more importantly in many cases, used outside of school by children include:
- The Internet – World Wide Web
- Instant messaging (often using simple web cams) e.g. Instant Messenger)
- Web based voice and video calling (e.g. Skype)
- Online chat rooms
- Online discussion forums
- Social networking sites (e.g. Facebook)
- Blogs and Micro-blogs (e.g. Twitter)
- Podcasting (radio / audio broadcasts downloaded to computer or MP3/4 player)
- Video broadcasting sites (e.g. You Tube)
- Music and video downloading (e.g. iTunes)
- Mobile phones with camera and video functionality
- Smart phones with e-mail, messaging and internet access
Our whole school approach to the safe use of ICT
Creating a safe ICT learning environment includes three main elements at this school:
- An effective range of technological tools;
- Policies and procedures, with clear roles and responsibilities
- Online safety teaching is embedded into the school curriculum and schemes of work