Online Safety

E-Safety in the Curriculum

At KS3 and KS4, all computing and ICT classes explore the manner in which online communication and activities are rapidly changing.

We encourage all student to think carefully about key issues such as:

• Your digital footprint - The amount of personal information you place on the internet and the impact it can have
• Nettiquette – The manner in which we communicate online, protecting our real life and digital reputation
• Online threats and how to prevent them – In the ‘new frontier’ of the online world, existing and new threats pose a major risk to all who venture online. From viruses and other malware (malicious software) to phishing emails and other illegal means of obtaining personal data, students need to be on their guard whenever online.
• Cyberbullying – described as “the act of harming or harassing via information technology networks in a repeated and deliberate manner” in real life this is having a major impact on many students. For the perpetrators and victims it means a way to bully and be bullied remorselessly wherever you are.     

What Can be Done?

Students and adults are frequently unaware that most online threats are covered by law in The Misuse of Computers Act and Data Protection Act. Penalties for offences are becoming increasingly severe.

If a student feels like someone has acted inappropriately towards them online via any form of social media this should be reported.

If instances of online abuse occur in school, students should immediately report these to their Form Tutor or other appropriate members of staff. These will then be referred to the Child Protection Team.

Some Top Tips for Online Safety

• Don’t post any personal information online – like your address, email address or mobile number.
• Think carefully before posting pictures or videos of yourself.  Once you’ve put  a picture of yourself online most people can see it and may be able to download it, it’s not just yours anymore.
• Keep your privacy settings as high as possible
• Never give out your passwords
• Don’t befriend people you don’t know
• Don’t meet up with people you’ve met online.  Speak to your parent or carer about people suggesting you do
• Remember that not everyone online is who they say they are
• Think carefully about what you say before you post something online
• Respect other people’s views, even if you don’t agree with someone else’s views doesn’t mean you need to be rude
• If you see something online that makes you feel uncomfortable, unsafe or worried: leave the website, turn off your computer if you want to and tell a trusted adult immediately.

Outside of school, each of the main social media applications have 'report abuse' buttons which you can use but you can also contact the ‘Child Exploitation and Online Protection centre’ (CEOP).  Their ‘Think U Know’ Website also provides helpful information and tips.  Both of these websites can be accessed using the links above.

Cove School’s internet service is filtered and monitored by Hampshire County Council in order to provide the safest possible online learning experience.

The intention is to ensure:

• that young people will be responsible users and stay safe while using the internet and other digital technologies for educational, personal and recreational use.
• that school systems and users are protected from accidental or deliberate misuse that could put the security of the systems and users at risk.

I understand that I must use school ICT systems in a responsible way, to ensure that there is no risk to my safety or to the safety and security of the ICT systems and other users.

Personal Safety:

I will keep my username and password safe and secure – I will not share it, nor will I try to use any other person’s username and password. I understand that I should not write down or store a password where it is possible that someone may steal it.

I will be aware of “stranger danger”, when I am communicating on-line and not arrange to meet people off line, unless in a public place and accompanied by an adult.

Appropriate Actions and Expectations:

I will respect others’ work and property and always be polite and responsible when I communicate with others online, both in school and out of school.

I will not take or distribute images of anyone without their permission or access materials which are illegal or inappropriate or may cause harm or distress to others.

I will only use my own personal devices (mobile phones / USB devices etc.) in school if I have permission. I understand that, if I do use my own devices in the school, I will follow the rules set out in this agreement, in the same way as if I was using school equipment.

I will ensure that I have permission to use the original work of others in my own work and be aware of copyright materials.

I understand that I am responsible for my actions, both in and out of school:

• I understand that the school also has the right to take action against me if I am involved in incidents of inappropriate behaviour, that are covered in this agreement and the whole school IT policy.
• I understand that if I fail to comply with this Acceptable Use Policy Agreement, I will be subject to disciplinary action. This may include loss of access to the school network / internet, detentions, confiscation and/or banning of mobile devices, exclusions, contact with parents and in the event of illegal activities involvement of the police.

By using the Computers and Internet at Cove School, you agree to the above.

You are required to complete and return the Internet/ Computer Usage form in your school planner.