Internet & Computer Safety

Sirius Academy North takes internet and computer safety very seriously

Sirius Academy North takes internet and computer safety very seriously

The academy uses Smoothwall to control access to the internet. This means that students are unable to access inappropriate websites. The Safeguarding Team receives notification when breaches of the firewall are attempted. Where this involves safeguarding concerns students are spoken to in order to ensure their safety.

The academy safeguards students using our facilities via an external monitor. Students searching for terms suggesting they may need additional support or writing inappropriate or concerning statements are picked up by the safeguarding team so that appropriate actions and support can be put in place.

All students sign an agreement that clearly sets out the academy’s expectations of computer users. Breaches of this are dealt with via the Discipline for Learning system.

The internet provides students with an incredible opportunity for research, communication and learning. The academy ensures that students are able to traverse it with confidence whilst also understanding, that like other aspects of life, they need to be conscious of their safety. Students learn about the potential dangers of the internet, email, chat rooms, and social networking sites like Facebook. They also learn what cyber-bullying is and how to deal with it.

The academy aims to make all students responsible and safe users of ICT.

Online Safety – What are the issues?

The internet – on the whole is an inspiring and positive place.

The internet is an amazing resource which enables children and young people to connect, communicate and be creative in a number of different ways, on a range of devices.

However, the internet is always changing, and being able to keep up to date with your children’s use of technology can be a challenge.

You may sometimes feel that your children have better technical skills than you do, however children and young people still need advice and protection when it comes to managing their lives online.

Issues that your child may encounter on the internet will vary depending on their age and online activities.

Parental Controls

Children are gaining access to and owning their own devices from a very younger age. Devices can be great for learning and development, however parents should be aware of the content available online and the chance of your child seeing something they shouldn’t when online.

Pre-installed parental controls are available for most devices, laptops and consoles and are part of the system when you buy them. You can often download e-safety apps and software to supplement these controls. The most important thing is to set the controls on the device itself.

E-Safety Tips for Parents

InternetMatters.org is a not-for-profit organisation that has a simple purpose – to help keep children safe in the digital world.

KCOM Parental Internet Settings

KCOM Parental Controls lets you choose how much of the internet you would like you and your family to see. It’s easy to set up and will help you make sure that your family is safe using the internet in your home.

Know your social media

We would like to provide parents with the information they need to understand their child’s online world and help them keep their children safe online. The following links offer social media support for parents and children:

Young Minds – Mental health and social media advice for parents and children. YoungMinds | Mental Health Charity For Children And Young People | YoungMinds

Think you Know  – Advice for parents and children – CEOP Education (thinkuknow.co.uk)

Please click on this guide for useful links and information for children and young people staying safe online HERE

On-line Safety Support

Child net -Online Safety – advice and activities for children, parents and staff on e-safety http://www.childnet.com/

Online Safeguarding CEOP (Child Exploitation Online Protection) – information on on-line safety for parents and students

https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/Parents/

Humberside

Online Safety and Security | Humberside Police