The internet is a fantastic place to learn, have fun and talk to friends and family. However there are risks and everyone must make sure they know how to stay safe and protect themselves online.
CEOP is the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre set up to protect children and young people from sexual abuse. CEOP have an education programme and website called Thinkyouknow which provides information about staying safe online for young people, parents and professionals – www.thinkyouknow.co.uk
Cyberbullying is when someone uses any form of technology to deliberately upset someone else. This could be name calling, prank calling, racist remarks, sending nasty text messages and posting on hate sites as well as forwarding horrible emails. By using technology such as mobiles or the internet, this type of bullying can affect someone not just at school, but at home as well. It takes place in the “virtual” world and is accessible seven days a week and at any time of the day and night. It can therefore make someone feel threatened or upset in their own home.
Some useful sites include:
For reporting inappropriate content: www.iwf.org.uk
For cyberbullying: www.childnet-int.org and www.cybermentors.org.uk
To talk to somebody in confidence: www.childline.org.uk
To report anonymously: www.crimestoppers-uk.org
For more information: www.nspcc.org.uk
In addition you can also press the CEOP REPORT button if you feel at risk when online.
The school policy governing Online Safety is available at the bottom of this page.