Online Safety
At Waddington Primary Academy, we take online safety very seriously. In an age where technology plays a vital role in daily life, it is important that children are equipped with the necessary skills to navigate the online world safely. Throughout the academic year, online safety skills are woven into our computing lessons, complemented by targeted campaigns aimed at reinforcing and updating our pupils' knowledge.
To ensure a secure online environment, all our Chromebooks, tablets, and classroom computers utilise a filtering system called Smoothwall. This system rigorously monitors the content being accessed, guaranteeing that it remains appropriate for our pupils. We are committed to instilling a continuous awareness of online safety across all year groups, empowering our pupils to enjoy the internet responsibly and safely.
Furthermore, we offer frequent online safety events and guidance for parents, providing essential information to help them make informed decisions regarding their children's online experiences.
Social Media
Internet Matters have put together a briefing for parents/carers on staying safe online. Please find it here: How to deal with social media issues kids face online | Internet Matters
Links
The following links provide a rich source of information that is useful in keeping your child safe as they use technology:
- www.getsafeonline.org
- ceop.police.uk/safety-centre
- www.childnet.com
- www.nspcc.org.uk/preventing-abuse/keeping-children-safe
- www.commonsensemedia.org
- parentinfo.org
- www.net-aware.org.uk/send-online-safety-hub
Sexting: Keep your child safe
Helpful advice about this growing online trend thanks to the NSPCC:
www.nspcc.org.uk/preventing-abuse/keeping-children-safe/sexting
Useful Websites and Information for Keeping all of our Pupils Safe Online
Help your child stay safe on social networks, apps and games:
How to Ensure Your Children Stay Safe While Playing Online Games | NSPCC
Internet connected devices | NSPCC
NSPCC provides advice and support for children with SEND:
Online safety for children with SEND | NSPCC
Advice and guidance for pupils under the age of 5 accessing the internet:
Keeping Under Fives Safe Online | Childnet
To find out more, read our online safety policy. The external links open into new browser windows or new tabs.
Reporting an online safety issue
We are always happy to help at school with online safety issue. Should you or child wish to report a problem, please speak to your child’s class teacher, who will then notify the online safety leader.
The issue will then be dealt with and monitored by our online safety team and the Head teacher.
You can report an online safety issue following Lincolnshire Safeguarding Partnership's advice:
Staying safe – Online safety - Lincolnshire County Council
Alternatively, Childnet has links to get direct support:
Safer search engines
Please note that no search engine is ever 100% safe but below provides some links to some “safer” search engines:
CBBC: https://www.bbc.co.uk/cbbc/search
kids yahoo: https://uk.yahoo.com/?p=us
Safer image searching:
Pics4Learning: http://www.pics4learning.com/
Jargon busting:
Kidsmart gives you lots of advice on how to stay safe online: http://kidsmart.org.uk/
