Online Safety

The internet is amazing – we can play, learn, create and connect. For students, their world and the digital world are one and the same, and we want to help them thrive. At Falmouth school, we recognise the importance of keeping everyone safe in an ever-growing and changing online and digital world. The reality is that however hard we try to control accessibility of the internet, we must help our children develop the skills and capacity to use it safely, without placing themselves, or others, at risk.

 

How do we do this?
At Falmouth School we are committed to ensuring that students are safe when using the internet. Students utilise their school emails to access their learning and to maintain communications with staff and their peers. Students access online learning platforms which are supportive and enable appropriate monitoring to maintain their safety online. 

Whilst students are not expected to carry with them their mobile phones to school, we understand that they may be interacting online through their own personal devices or devices linked to the bill payee, e.g. the adult with parental responsibilities. To safeguard our young people everywhere,  we ask the parents/carers to be interested and supportive when monitoring their children’s use of the internet. This page has been designed to give you information that will support you in this role.

What is my child doing online through social networking?
When online, children and young people can learn new things, get help with their homework, express themselves creatively and connect with friends and family. There are also risks, but by understanding and talking about the dangers you can help keep your child safe online.

We have put together some resources that will help you understand more about the risks to young people online and how you can help your child to stay safe:

• Supporting young people online
• How to start conversation about the risks online
• Useful information for parents
• If you are a parent or carer, please read this useful guide about cyberbullying, produced by the Department for children, schools and families. The guide tells you how to prevent and report cyberbullying.
• Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (CEOP) 
• Barnardos: advice for parents and carers
• Childnet
• NSPCC: advice about online safety and other aspects
• Internet Watch Foundation

Advice for Young People

• My Safety Net - A charity which helps children and young people feel safe and confident
• Better Internet for Kids - This website provides support in different countries and may be useful for a young person when travelling abroad
• National Bullying UK - Advice to the young people about understanding what bullying is and how to report it.
• ChildLine - ChildLine is a private and confidential service for children and young people up to the age of 19.
• Safer Internet Day - Information on how to maintain personal safety