Social Media & E-safety
St Mary’s Catholic School believes that the use of information and communication technologies in and out of school brings fantastic benefits. However, recognising issues around e-safety and planning accordingly will help ensure appropriate, effective and safer use of electronic communications.
We use technology and the Internet to teach, to learn and to have fun, and we take online safety very seriously. Our staff and children are knowledgeable about the dangers associated with using the internet and are well trained about how stay safe on line.
Every year, we get involved in Safer Internet Day and do lots of fun activities that remind us of the importance of staying safe while enjoying the Internet responsibly.
Our online safety and acceptable use policies are robust, regularly reviewed and updated and are reflective of the best practice advised by Ofsted, CEOP and the Internet Safety Council.
On this page you will find a number of resources which will hopefully allow parents and students to make informed choices when communicating online.
Snapchat is a multimedia messaging app popular with teenagers. Here are some guides on how to use it safely and things to be aware of:
Staying Safe with Thinkuknow
Thinkuknow is the education programme from NCA-CEOP, a UK organisation which protects children both online and offline. Visit their site for advice about staying safe when you're on a phone, tablet or computer.They also have produced Learning about online safety at home-Parent and Carer Activity Packs.' These have been created to support parents during COVID-19 and the closure of schools.
Report Remove - New service from Childline
Childline has launched Report Remove, a service that allows children and young people under 18 to report and get removed from the internet a nude image or video of themselves that might have been shared online. The webpage includes links to services and information offering emotional and safeguarding support.
Deepfakes showing up on TikTok
You will be well aware of the growing popularity of TikTok, add deepfakes into the mix and things are starting to become more concerning. It's likely that children and young people are using TikTok just for a bit of fun, but growing fake information in the form of manipulated videos gives rise the growing concern of fake news/information.
To read a recent article and to learn more about TikTok in general click on the link below.
This guide features what children do online, the threat of online strangers and how to ensure a healthy balance between Internet use, your children's online privacy, digital security, and more on online safety to mention.