E-SAFETY
Some would call the world we live in today the ‘age of technology’ and as a result the concept of e-safety is incredibly important, especially for children. This page of my website illustrates the steps I have taken to increase my knowledge of e-safety and how I can communicate this to the children I work with in order to keep them safe online.
The World Wide Web, now better known as the internet, can be considered as the largest resource available to us today. The internet is a resource people all around the world have come to rely on, not only as a source of information, gaming, and opportunities to extend learning, but also as a means of communication. Thus the internet is a boundless resource for schools, yet it comes with its own risks and must be used responsibly and safely. This is where the notion of e-safety comes in.
What is e-safety?
E-safety means electronic safety and it is concerned with protecting young people in the digital online world and ensuring they are safe when using technology. E-safety is also about raising awareness to enable users to recognise both the benefits as well as the risks of using ICT and it encompasses not only the internet, but also electronic communications such as mobile phones and wireless technology. Young people must be protected from unsuitable material and staff, parents and pupils must be made aware of the steps and precautions to take to keep children safe online.
As responsible adults, we must ensure children do not to give out private or sensitive information, communicate with people they do not know online, they must be taught to report online bullying and any material they encounter which they find upsetting or makes them uncomfortable.
What is e-safety?
E-safety means electronic safety and it is concerned with protecting young people in the digital online world and ensuring they are safe when using technology. E-safety is also about raising awareness to enable users to recognise both the benefits as well as the risks of using ICT and it encompasses not only the internet, but also electronic communications such as mobile phones and wireless technology. Young people must be protected from unsuitable material and staff, parents and pupils must be made aware of the steps and precautions to take to keep children safe online.
As responsible adults, we must ensure children do not to give out private or sensitive information, communicate with people they do not know online, they must be taught to report online bullying and any material they encounter which they find upsetting or makes them uncomfortable.
I understand and have agreed to the terms of the ICT pledge, a signed copy of which can be found here.
I have also completed the compulsory online e-safety module on Blackboard. This contained a range of information about e-safety and I have expanded on the key points below.
I have come to understand that I must not rely on systems and software that schools use to filter information in order to keep children safe online as these may not be sufficient. I learned about ‘MRS’ which is a useful mnemonic to remind teachers and school staff about how they can keep children safe online.
Monitor, Report & Save (MRS)
I have also completed the compulsory online e-safety module on Blackboard. This contained a range of information about e-safety and I have expanded on the key points below.
I have come to understand that I must not rely on systems and software that schools use to filter information in order to keep children safe online as these may not be sufficient. I learned about ‘MRS’ which is a useful mnemonic to remind teachers and school staff about how they can keep children safe online.
Monitor, Report & Save (MRS)
- Monitor: Technology alone won't keep children safe - so actively monitor their activity
- Report: Teach your children to tell you or another adult if they ever feel uncomfortable online
- Save: Evidence can be very useful - so save if anything happens
I have also now learnt about the ‘Click Clever, Click Safe’ campaign which is an archived government initiative, which can be found here, in order to keep children safe online. This image below which shows the Zip It, Block It, Flag It characters is a great source of information for children to use as a reminder of staying safe online. I feel that advice such as this which is not lengthy but straightforward and clear should be kept on display in all classrooms.
As well as these key facts, I also found a number of websites which gave me further information on e-safety. I will expand on this information below.
As well as these key facts, I also found a number of websites which gave me further information on e-safety. I will expand on this information below.
I have also registered with the thinkuknow.co.uk website which is run by the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (CEOP) and has some excellent resources for a range of factors concerning e-safety. This website can be accessed by clicking on the logo above. Most importantly the website does not portray all the doom and gloom of e-safety, rather it presents the internet as fun to use as long as this is done safely and shows children how to do this. The website provides information and a plethora of resources for teachers to use in order to plan ICT lessons around e-safety. As well as this, it also has vital information for different age ranges (5-7, 8-10, 11-13, 14+) which is presented in a child-friendly interactive format to make it accessible for young people. Some examples of this are below.
The thinkuknow website has a range of videos highlighting the dangers of sharing information on the internet and these are a great tool which can be used in the classroom to help children become aware of not only the risks posed by the internet, but also of the steps which can be taken to stay safe when online.
The thinkuknow website has a range of videos highlighting the dangers of sharing information on the internet and these are a great tool which can be used in the classroom to help children become aware of not only the risks posed by the internet, but also of the steps which can be taken to stay safe when online.
Lee and Kim’s Adventure – Animal Magic for 5-7 year olds
The 5-7 age range resources include a feature about Lee and Kim (see the video below), a clip about a brother and sister who enjoy using the internet. Whilst they are playing a game online something awful happens and the superhero SID flies in to help them and teaches them about being safe on the internet whilst playing games. He gives Lee and Kim 4 top tips which are in the picture to the right. This video is very inclusive as it has subtitles and BSL and thus can be accessed by all pupils regardless of ability.
The 5-7 age range resources include a feature about Lee and Kim (see the video below), a clip about a brother and sister who enjoy using the internet. Whilst they are playing a game online something awful happens and the superhero SID flies in to help them and teaches them about being safe on the internet whilst playing games. He gives Lee and Kim 4 top tips which are in the picture to the right. This video is very inclusive as it has subtitles and BSL and thus can be accessed by all pupils regardless of ability.
Resources for 8-10 year olds
For 8-10 year olds the site has suitable information about e-safety and there is a brilliant game called Star Riders which children can play to find out information. The game comes in 3 levels of difficulty and involves catching and avoiding flying objects and by answering questions about e-safety the children can increase their time limit when playing them game and can play for longer periods of time. The slideshow below shows some still images from the game when I had a go at playing it. Thus this is an interactive way of reviewing key information about e-safety for children and would be a great interactive tool for use in the classroom.
For 8-10 year olds the site has suitable information about e-safety and there is a brilliant game called Star Riders which children can play to find out information. The game comes in 3 levels of difficulty and involves catching and avoiding flying objects and by answering questions about e-safety the children can increase their time limit when playing them game and can play for longer periods of time. The slideshow below shows some still images from the game when I had a go at playing it. Thus this is an interactive way of reviewing key information about e-safety for children and would be a great interactive tool for use in the classroom.
Jigsaw (this video can be found on YouTube)
The website also has the 10 minute video clip Jigsaw for 8-10 year olds which is about a girl called Becky who enjoys using social networking sites and posts pictures of herself and her friends. She befriends and chats to an individual she believes is another child. It turns out the individual is actually a man who has been lying to her. The clip highlights the dangers of revealing personal information online to people who you do not know and the result of this. The clip would be a useful tool in the classroom as it could be used to generate a discussion about information on social networking sites and how these should be used responsibly. Children should be taught to only speak to people they know in real life and must report it to a adult they trust if they are contacted by any individual they do not know.
The website also has a page of top tips which have been audio recorded so that children who are poor readers are also able to access the information which can be found here.
I feel that children also need to be presented with positive messages which allow them to control risks and advice above is an excellent way of equipping children to becoming responsible users of the internet.
As well as information for children and teachers, the website also provides a range of resources for parents and carers which teachers can direct parents and carers to. This can be found here.
The Childnet website, which can be accessed by clicking on the image above, also has a range of downloadable documents for use by teachers detailing how e-safety must be promoted in the classroom and the steps teachers need to take in order to ensure children are always safe when online.
The Childnet website also has a range of Know IT All resources for use with SEN pupils which can be found here.
This is due to the fact that some children may be more vulnerable than others when using the internet and ICT. Such children can be those with behavioural, emotional and learning difficulties and EAL children. Thus teachers need to be aware of such factors as all children should have access to the internet and be able to use the resource safely and responsibly. The Childnet website has a range of resources dedicated to making the internet a safe place for children with SEN.
The Childnet website also has advice for teachers who use social networking websites in order to allow teachers to stay safe online. As highlighted to us throughout the P.G.C.E course it is of utmost importance that teachers are very careful with the images, information and opinions they post online. Teachers must always be professional and responsible adults as children are most likely going to Google their teachers as well as potential employers and colleagues. The document below taken from the Childnet website highlights some precautions teachers should take when using these sites.
The Childnet website also has a range of Know IT All resources for use with SEN pupils which can be found here.
This is due to the fact that some children may be more vulnerable than others when using the internet and ICT. Such children can be those with behavioural, emotional and learning difficulties and EAL children. Thus teachers need to be aware of such factors as all children should have access to the internet and be able to use the resource safely and responsibly. The Childnet website has a range of resources dedicated to making the internet a safe place for children with SEN.
The Childnet website also has advice for teachers who use social networking websites in order to allow teachers to stay safe online. As highlighted to us throughout the P.G.C.E course it is of utmost importance that teachers are very careful with the images, information and opinions they post online. Teachers must always be professional and responsible adults as children are most likely going to Google their teachers as well as potential employers and colleagues. The document below taken from the Childnet website highlights some precautions teachers should take when using these sites.
Another brilliant website with loads of resources is kidSMART. It has a range of information for teacher which can be found here and for parents and carers which can be found here.
This image to the right shows the SMART rules from the website which highlights internet safety and shows the 5 smart steps to be taken in order to be safe online. These steps are also outlined briefly below.
Smart – Keep safe by being careful not to give out personal information when you’re chatting or posting online. Personal information includes your email address, phone number and password.
Meeting – Meeting someone you have only been in touch with online can be dangerous. Only do so with your parents’ or carers’ permission and even then only when they can be present. Remember online friends are still strangers even if you have been talking to them for a long time.
Accepting – Accepting emails, IM messages, or opening files, pictures or texts from people you don’t know or trust can lead to problems – they may contain viruses or nasty messages!
Reliable – Someone online might lie about who they are and information on the internet may not be true. Always check information with other websites, books or someone who knows. If you like chatting online it’s best to only chat to your real world friends and family.
Tell – Tell your parent, carer or a trusted adult if someone or something makes you feel uncomfortable or worried, or if you or someone you know is bullied online.
I feel that in order to promote e-safety, posters such as this with key tips and rules must be on display in prime positions in the classroom to act as a constant reminder for children.
This image to the right shows the SMART rules from the website which highlights internet safety and shows the 5 smart steps to be taken in order to be safe online. These steps are also outlined briefly below.
Smart – Keep safe by being careful not to give out personal information when you’re chatting or posting online. Personal information includes your email address, phone number and password.
Meeting – Meeting someone you have only been in touch with online can be dangerous. Only do so with your parents’ or carers’ permission and even then only when they can be present. Remember online friends are still strangers even if you have been talking to them for a long time.
Accepting – Accepting emails, IM messages, or opening files, pictures or texts from people you don’t know or trust can lead to problems – they may contain viruses or nasty messages!
Reliable – Someone online might lie about who they are and information on the internet may not be true. Always check information with other websites, books or someone who knows. If you like chatting online it’s best to only chat to your real world friends and family.
Tell – Tell your parent, carer or a trusted adult if someone or something makes you feel uncomfortable or worried, or if you or someone you know is bullied online.
I feel that in order to promote e-safety, posters such as this with key tips and rules must be on display in prime positions in the classroom to act as a constant reminder for children.
The CBBC website is another excellent resource for children as it has a number of advice pages, films and links which exemplify the topic of e-safety. The website also has a great short quiz which can be used by both adults and children to check knowledge of e-safety. This quiz would be a great tool to be used as a reminder activity used periodically throughout the year to keep the notion of e-safety fresh in the minds of children.
The quiz can be found by clicking on the link below.
The quiz can be found by clicking on the link below.
Caught In The Web
As well as this, the CBBC Newsround website also has a range of resources promoting e-safety for children. On the website they have a special programme voiced by David Tennant called Caught In The Web which can be found here.
The programme tells the story of a girl called Lonely Princess who is in danger after meeting someone in a chat room and shows case studies of real-life experiences of children who have experienced dangers while online. The programme concludes by providing children with lots of tips on how to stay safe when online and how tackle these risks if they are ever faced with the same or similar dangers when online.
As well as this, the CBBC Newsround website also has a range of resources promoting e-safety for children. On the website they have a special programme voiced by David Tennant called Caught In The Web which can be found here.
The programme tells the story of a girl called Lonely Princess who is in danger after meeting someone in a chat room and shows case studies of real-life experiences of children who have experienced dangers while online. The programme concludes by providing children with lots of tips on how to stay safe when online and how tackle these risks if they are ever faced with the same or similar dangers when online.
E-Safety and Ofsted
Below is a link to the document produced by Ofsted – The Safe Use of New Technologies
Below is a link to the document produced by Ofsted – The Safe Use of New Technologies
During my time on GPP I used videos from YouTube during lessons, such as the use of the short film Wallace and Gromit The Wrong Trousers when teaching literacy through Pie Corbett’s Talk for Writing. In order to use these videos safely, I watched them first to ensure there was no unsuitable content. However, when using Youtube precautions must always be taken as there is the danger of unsuitable content and advertised videos which are pushed at the viewer when the video ends. However, prior to use in the classroom, in order to generate a safe link I filtered videos through the website SafeShare.tv. This website is really simple and easy to use as you simply copy and paste the YouTube link onto the website and it generates the video without any unwanted adverts or pop-ups.
In order to upload pictures of the pupils which I took on GPP to my website, I wanted to ensure I could protect their identity and provide anonymity and in order to do this I learnt how to use an app called Skitch. On the right there is an example of this app and how it can be used for anonymity. I have provided more information on this in my ICT Skills section, which can be found by clicking here.
While on GPP placement I also noticed a range of displays throughout school and in each classroom promoting e-safety when using ICT and being online.
however, I found myself asking the question, how often do the children look at these displays and pay heed to the advice? I think it would be beneficial to refer very briefly to these rules of e-safety prior to all lessons that involve the use of ICT.
however, I found myself asking the question, how often do the children look at these displays and pay heed to the advice? I think it would be beneficial to refer very briefly to these rules of e-safety prior to all lessons that involve the use of ICT.
Safer Internet Day
This year’s theme was 'Let's create a better internet together', which offered the opportunity to focus on both the creative things that children can do online, as well as making the internet a safer place.
Safer Internet Day if celebrated on 11th February this year and is organised by the UK Safer Internet Centre each year. Its aim is to promote more responsible use of technology when online including computers, laptops, iPads and mobile phones by both children and adults.
The website showcases the numerous events held on this day and has a range of resources.
My employer, Post Office Limited, has been a sponsor of Safer Internet Day over the last few years and every year they run a video clip online on their website and throughout over 11,500 branches all over the UK in order to promote e-safety. This is just one example of how e-safety can and is promoted outside of the education system and how the importance of keeping young people safe online is a key issue in society today, not just in the UK, but across the globe.
This year’s theme was 'Let's create a better internet together', which offered the opportunity to focus on both the creative things that children can do online, as well as making the internet a safer place.
Safer Internet Day if celebrated on 11th February this year and is organised by the UK Safer Internet Centre each year. Its aim is to promote more responsible use of technology when online including computers, laptops, iPads and mobile phones by both children and adults.
The website showcases the numerous events held on this day and has a range of resources.
My employer, Post Office Limited, has been a sponsor of Safer Internet Day over the last few years and every year they run a video clip online on their website and throughout over 11,500 branches all over the UK in order to promote e-safety. This is just one example of how e-safety can and is promoted outside of the education system and how the importance of keeping young people safe online is a key issue in society today, not just in the UK, but across the globe.
Please also visit my recommended websites page for links to sites for children and adults for more information on e-safety and how this can be maintained in schools.
In Conclusion...
I feel that in order to promote e-safety it should be broached in a positive, child-friendly manner that allows children to see not only the risks posed by the internet and ICT, but also provides them with a reliable and efficient toolkit on how to tackle any risks if they come across them or know someone who does. Such teaching must be supported by effective and interactive resources, such as the ones outlined above, and there is a plethora of resources available for teachers and parents to use in order to educate children on e-safety.
I feel that in order to promote e-safety it should be broached in a positive, child-friendly manner that allows children to see not only the risks posed by the internet and ICT, but also provides them with a reliable and efficient toolkit on how to tackle any risks if they come across them or know someone who does. Such teaching must be supported by effective and interactive resources, such as the ones outlined above, and there is a plethora of resources available for teachers and parents to use in order to educate children on e-safety.
DISCLAIMER:
The author and creator is not responsible for any content which may be encountered on internet sites linked to this site, including any content pushed at you by sites like YouTube.
The author and creator is not responsible for any content which may be encountered on internet sites linked to this site, including any content pushed at you by sites like YouTube.