eSafety

What is eSafety?

Terms such as ‘e-safety’, ‘online’, ‘communication technologies’ and ‘digital technologies’, when used on this site, refer to all fixed and mobile technologies that children may encounter, now and in the future, which allow them access to content and communications that could raise e-safety issues or pose risks to their wellbeing and safety.

Children and young people are skilled in using computers, mobile phones and gaming machines such as Wii or PlayStation Portable (PSP). New Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is offering a new world full of opportunity and potential, with children able to express themselves, play and learn in fantastic new ways.

This ‘cyber world’ offers knowledge, personal growth, extensive friendships and fun. But there are also new, exclusive dangers and challenges, particularly for children and young people. There are many concerns, such as:

• bullying;
• addiction;
• health risks;
• gambling and debt;
• child sexual abuse;
• desensitising children to violence and intimacy.

Everyone who is responsible for children’s welfare needs to understand the strengths and the dangers of cyber world.

MUCH WORK HAS BEEN DONE BY AGENCIES SUCH AS CHILDNET AND THE CHILD EXPLOITATION ONLINE PROTECTION CENTRE (CEOP) TO PROVIDE RESOURCES TO ADDRESS POTENTIAL DANGERS ON THE INTERNET.

Where can I find out further information?

• Childnet – know it all (external website)
• CEOP (external website)
• Think u know – CEOP website (external website)

Computers and other internet accessible devices such as smart phones, tablets and game consoles are playing a bigger part in our lives both in and out of school. While they can be extremely useful, educational and fun there are of course dangers which we all need to be aware of.

Each year all the classes in school take part in E-Safety day which aims to educate the children in the dangers that exist when using the internet and what to do if they are confronted by them.