DIGITAL SAFEGUARDING
(used to be known as e-safety)
Digital safeguarding is about protecting individuals or groups from harm in an online environment. This is done by having effective approaches for managing incidents including practical solutions, advice and support.
Who is responsible for digital safeguarding in school?
Everyone! However Mrs Thomason has overall responsibility for digital safeguarding and is the go-to individual for members of staff, children or parents/carers to discuss and report safeguarding concerns or disclosures to do with the internet. They know the correct channels to go through to support a child or young person.
Understanding the risks to children
Areas for online risks can be categorised into the 4 C's - Content, Contact, Conduct and Contract as shown below.
1. The 4 C’s of Online Safety: Content
The first of the 4 C’s of online safety, Content, includes the extensive range of digital material, entertainment and media found online, including websites, apps, games and social media. While much of this content is beneficial, like educational materials, there exists content that is misleading, inappropriate and harmful. Children should be encouraged to critically evaluate online content that they view, recognising that not all of it is beneficial and some may be harmful. Strategies to mitigate exposure to harmful content include the implementation of filtering and monitoring systems to restrict access.
2. The 4 C’s of Online Safety: Contact
The second of the 4 C’s of online safety, Contact, refers to the online interactions and connections between individuals. Some of these interactions can be harmful, including those with online predators or exposure to inappropriate content through peer pressure. Educating children and young people about the dangers of online communication and fostering an environment of open conversation is important. Encouraging healthy digital relationships and critical thinking to identify and react to unsafe or exploitative online actions is important.
3. The 4 C’s of Online Safety: Conduct
The third of the 4 C’s of online safety, Conduct, focuses on the behaviour of children and young people online. The anonymity of the internet can sometimes lead to negative behaviours. This category emphasises the importance of respectful and responsible online interactions, including content sharing and community participation. Guiding youth towards positive online behaviour and discouraging cyberbullying and other negative actions is essential.
4. The 4 C’s of Online Safety: Contract
The fourth of the 4 C’s, Contract, deals with the commercial aspects of the online world, such as advertising, online shopping, in-app purchases and the risks of online gambling and scams. It’s important to educate children about internet-based financial transactions and the significance of protecting personal and financial information from online scams and the persuasive tactics of digital marketing.
Please click on the links for KS1 or KS2 leaflets providing information for parents to ensure that your children are safe online.
Resources and Websites for Keeping Children Safe Online
TikTok: click here for TikTok child-safety factsheet
Thinkuknow http://thinkuknow.co.uk - advice for all including infant, junior and senior school children, parents and professionals from the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (CEOP).
Childnet http://www.childnet-int.org
- Knowitall - http://www.childnet.com/kia/ – suite of education resources designed to help educate parents, teachers and young people about safe and positive use of the internet. Currently there are 4 KIA resources for Parents and Carers (including different languages), Secondary Schools, Primary Schools and Trainee Teachers and all four resources include content for young people …
- Kidsmart - http://www.kidsmart.org.uk/ - good resource split into a site for kids and a site for people who work with kids
Digizen http://www.digizen.org/ - Lots of information on Cyberbullying and Social Networks
Cybermentors - http://cybermentors.org.uk/ - CyberMentors is all about young people helping and supporting each other online. Staffed by trainined YP, Cybermentors provide a service to support and listen to YP who are being bullied. The cybermentors are supported by BACP accredited counsellors.
IWF – www.IWF.org.uk - The UK internet Hotline for the public and IT professionals to report criminal online content in a secure and confidential way. The IWF works in partnership with the online industry, law enforcement, government, and international partners to minimise the availability of this content.
Facebook Safety Centre https://www.facebook.com/safety - Facebook’s own advice section on keeping yourself safe, also points to reporting mechanisms within Facebook itself.
UK Safer Internet Centre - http://www.saferinternet.org.uk/ - Here you can find out the latest advice on how to use the internet and new technologies safely and responsibly. Also find a range of practical resources, news and events focusing on the safe and responsible use of the internet and new technologies. Also hosts the Professionals Online Safety Helpline - http://www.saferinternet.org.uk/helpline which provides advice and help to professionals who work with children and young people in the UK, specifically tackling the area of e-safety. We provide support with all aspects of digital and online issues such as social networking sites, cyber-bullying, online gaming and child protection online. The Helpline aims to resolve issues professionals face about themselves, such as protecting professional identity and reputation, as well as young people in relation to online safety.
Child safety on YouTube - parent factsheet.
Parent information in relation to the Momo Challenge - Top Tips for Parents poster - Parent Zone information.
