“Technology offers extraordinary opportunities for all of society including children and young people. The internet allows for global exploration which can also bring risks, often paralleling the offline world. Video gaming offers a range of exciting interactive experiences for children, however some of these are designed for adults. There is a generational digital divide between parents and children which means that many parents do not feel empowered to manage risks in the digital world in the same way that they do in the ‘real’ world.
The internet and video games are very popular with children and young people and offer a range of opportunities for fun, learning and development. But there are concerns over potentially inappropriate material, which range from content (e.g. violence) through to contact and conduct of children in the digital world.
While children are confident with technology, they are still developing critical evaluation skills and need our help to make wise decisions. Children and young people need to be empowered to keep themselves safe – this isn’t just about a top-down approach. Children will be children – pushing boundaries and taking risks. At a public swimming pool we have gates, put up signs, have lifeguards and shallow ends, but we also teach children how to swim”.
Byron Review – Children and New Technology, March 2008.
 Young People Pledge to Play their part |
 Tamanna’s Story |
 Rebecca’s Story |
To help we have added a number of eSafety documents to our website under College Documents.
UK Safer Internet Day
Safer Internet Day is very important to our school and pupils. It is run by the INSAFE network and is celebrated every year across Europe, and in other countries worldwide.
In the UK, Safer Internet Day is organised by the UK Safer Internet Centre (saferinternet.org.uk). Childnet International, who form part of the UK Safer Internet Centre, have produced some resources to help schools, parents and carers to support children and young people online.
 Liv’s Story |
 Julie from Facebook on Safety and Reporting |
 When does online hate become a crime? |
Useful External Resources
A guide to eSafety for Parents and Carers (whoishostingthis.com)
BBC Bitesize: Play this activity to learn how to spot dangers and keep yourself safe online (bbc.co.uk)
Parents Guide to Protecting Kids Online (thebestvpn.com/protect-kids-online)
eSafety Adviser (esafety-adviser.com/resources/)
“#DITTO is a free online safety (e-safety) magazine for schools, organizations and parents to keep you up to date with risks, issues, advice and guidance related to keeping children safe online, with a view to enjoying and learning about technology. A new edition is released approx. every 6 weeks.”
In the News
Teenager’s death sparks cyber-blackmailing probe (bbc.co.uk)
Breck Bednar murder: Lewis Daynes sentenced to life in prison (bbc.co.uk)
For the latest information on this years Safer Internet Day please refer to our Blog.
