Online Safety             

At Hill View Junior Academy, the lead person for online safety and computing is: Mrs C Connifey 

Embracing technology in our pupils' lives is undeniably beneficial, yet it's imperative to recognise the accompanying risks. We must address these potential pitfalls to ensure responsible technology usage.

At Hill View Junior Academy we aim to teach children:

·         To understand the consequences of cyberbullying and know what steps to take if they experience it.

·         To be cautious when communicating online, understanding that not everyone may be who they claim to be, and they should be mindful about sharing personal information.

·         To confide in a trusted adult if they encounter anything distressing online as this is crucial for their well-being.

·         To understand that all actions have consequences and what is posted and published online can have implications in later life

·         To question the reliability of information found on the web, fostering critical thinking skills to find credible sources from unreliable ones.

·         To search responsibly using internet browsers ensuring they navigate the online world safely and effectively.

We understand that much of our pupil's use of the internet will occur at home, away from the school filters so we have included a list of useful websites and resources that you may find helpful when navigating the issue of online safety with your child.

Useful Websites

Thinkuknow http://www.thinkuknow.co.uk
Thinkuknow is an education programme from the National Crime Agency’s CEOP Command. Since 2006, it aims to ensure that everyone has access to this practical information – children, young people, their parents and carers and the professionals who work with them. 

Internet Matters https://www.internetmatters.org/advice/esafety-leaflets-resources/
A comprehensive web resource with a wide array of tips and advice on how to navigate the online world with your child.

Common Sense Media https://www.commonsensemedia.org/
Common Sense Media rates movies, TV shows, podcasts, books, and more so families can feel good about the entertainment choices they make for their kids. They offer the largest, most trusted library of independent age-based ratings and reviews.

National Online Safety https://nationalcollege.com/guides
National College’s mission is to make the internet a safer place for children. They aim to do this by equipping school staff, parents and children with the knowledge they need to understand online dangers and how best to react should an incident arise. The link above provides up to date information about a wide variety of social media apps and platforms your child might be using.

Childnet http://www.childnet.com/parents-and-carers
Childnet International is a registered UK charity that aims to make the internet a safe place for children and young people. Packed with resources it is a great resource for parents.

CEOP http://ceop.police.uk/safety-centre/
Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) is part of the National Crime Agency and their website can be used to report if you are worried about online abuse or the way someone is communicating online.

BBC  https://www.bbc.com/ownit
The BBC have a website and app called Own It. The website has a lot of content for children to help them navigate their online lives, and the free smartphone app comes with a special keyboard which can intervene with help and support in the moments that children need it the most.