Online Safety

Being online is an integral part of children’s lives. Social media, online games, websites and apps can be accessed through mobile phones, computers, laptops and tablets – all of which form a platform for children’s online world.

 E-safety is a fundamental part of Cheetwood’s safeguarding and child protection measures. The government has also set out guidance for schools across the UK, which highlights the importance of safeguarding children online.

Cheetwood adopts a whole school approach and helps to ensure online safety is regularly talked about and taught to help give the knowledge and skills children need to be safe online.

The internet and online technology provides new opportunities for young people’s learning and growth, but it can also expose them to new types of risks.

Click on this link to find out more about online safety.

Click on this link to find out more about parental controls and how you can make sure your family is protected online.


Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying is the use of electronic communication to bully another person. This usually comes in the form of a threatening or intimidating message. Social media can be a common platform for this to happen, but the use of private messages through games consoles and chat options on apps is making it more difficult for parents and carers to track.

The protection of children against cyberbullying is embedded in our Anti-Bullying policy – which can be found on our policy page.

Click on this link to find out more about cyberbullying and what you can do to prevent your child from being exposed to it.


Social Media

The use of social media such as Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat and Instagram is very popular amongst young people. Most of these sites have an age limit of 13. Despite these age restrictions, many children under the age of 13 have their own social media profiles, and most have them on all of these popular social media sites! Parents should be aware of the social media apps their child or children are accessing, even if they are over the age of 13.

Click on this link to find out more about social media apps.


Online Gaming

As of 2017, there are  over two billion gamers worldwide and 27 percent of them are under the age of 18. Children and teens are becoming more engaged with video games because of the huge variety offered and how easily they can be accessed from a range of device. This surge in popularity may make it difficult for some parents to keep up with the range of online safety features offered.

The following 5 tips can help you manage your child’s online gaming activity and ensure they are kept safe:


1) Check ages ratings of games they are playing

2) Access parental controls so you can set time limits and manage what they access so they are not seeing anything inappropriate.

3) Account security is vital in making sure personal information is kept safe. Make sure two step authentication is enabled for maximum security.

4) Blocking and reporting is available in all games. Make sure you and your child knows how to block or report people.

5) Taking breaks often to make sure your child isn’t spending too much time online and they have time to stay active or complete homework!

Fortnite is massively popular online multiplayer game – for years it has been one of the most popular games amongst gamers.

To find out more about Fortnite click this link.

E-Safety through the curriculum

E-safety themes are planned and taught at least once per half term and a full day of learning is dedicated to e-safety in February during national Safer Internet Day.

Pupils at Cheetwood learn the following about e-safety:

  • How to recognise common uses of information technology beyond school.
  • How to use search technologies effectively, appreciate how results are selected and ranked, and be perceptive in evaluating digital content.
  • Understand computer networks including the internet, how they can provide multiple services, such as the world wide web and the opportunities they offer for communication and collaboration
  • How to use technology safely and respectfully and responsibly, keeping personal information private; identify where to go for help and support when they have concerns about content or contact on the internet or other online technologies.

    As well as teaching the planned e-safety themes on a half termly basis, the school will also immediately address any other e-safety matters which occur, including those which happen outside of the school day and come to the school’s attention. Such e-safety matters may be addressed through additional lessons, whole school assemblies, information in the school’s weekly newsletter and one-to one advisory meetings and/or workshops for parents/carers. All e-safety incidents are recorded, along with the action taken and are monitored by the safeguarding team and e-safety leader.

    The school has a comprehensive e-safety policy which is reviewed annually by staff and then approved by the full governing body. A copy of the policy can be found on the policy page of this website.

 

Teaching online safety in schools

The Department for Education has released a document advising schools on how to teach online safety. Click this link if you would like a copy.

 

Cheetwood e-safety newsletters

Please have a look at our monthly E-safety newsletter to stay up to date with keeping safe online.


Useful websites:

For more information about e-safety and advice on keeping your family safe online please visit the following websites:

 

If you have any e-safety questions or concerns, please contact the school’s e-safety leader:  l.hardy@cheetwood.manchester.sch.uk


Online Safety Important Documents:

At Cheetwood Community Primary School we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff, visitors and volunteers to share this commitment.

Safeguarding Notice

At Cheetwood Community Primary School we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff, visitors and volunteers to share this commitment.