New technologies have become integral to the lives of young people in today’s society, both within the school and beyond. The Internet and other digital information and communications technologies are powerful tools, which open up new opportunities for everyone. These technologies can provide information, stimulate discussion, promote creativity and create awareness. They consequently make a major contribution to effective learning. Young people should have an entitlement to use ICT safely.

The technological protection for students will be underpinned by an educational approach including:

• A planned Online-Safety programme within Computing and PHSE which will cover the use of ICT and new technologies both in and outside school.
• Key Online-Safety messages will be reinforced as part of the planned programme of assemblies and tutorial activities.
• Students will be taught in all lessons to be critically aware of the materials they access on-line and be guided to validate the accuracy of information.
• Students will be helped to understand the need for the student Acceptable Use Agreement.
• Students will be encouraged to adopt safe and responsible use of ICT, the internet and mobile devices both within and outside school.
• Students will be taught to acknowledge the source of information used and to respect copyright when using material accessed on the internet.
• The rules for use of ICT systems and the internet will be posted in ICT rooms.
• Staff will act as good role models in their use of ICT, the internet and mobile devices.

The full Online Safety Policy is available here.

Serious concerns may be reported above