Online E-Safety Advice & Responsible ICT Use

Staying Safe Online: Important Rules for Students & Parents

The internet and technology are powerful tools, but they must be used safely and responsibly. Below are the school’s E-Safety Guidelines to ensure that students, parents, and teachers understand how to use ICT, data, and mobile phones safely.

⚠️ Important: All students and parents must read, understand, and sign this contract. Failure to comply may result in restricted access to ICT at school.

1️⃣ Social Networking & Privacy

Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok have age restrictions (minimum 13+), while WhatsApp is 16+.

⚠️ Risks:
- Personal content can be shared, altered, and spread without consent.
- Personal information can be used to track and identify children.

✔ Safe Usage:
✅ Use privacy settings to limit who can see posts.
✅ Think before you post – avoid sharing anything embarrassing or harmful.
✅ Never share private information (address, phone number, school details).

2️⃣ Online Gaming

Many online games allow communication with strangers, which can expose children to inappropriate content, bullying, and online predators.

✔ Safe Usage:
✅ Check the age rating of games before allowing children to play.
✅ Monitor online interactions and discuss game content with your child.
✅ Limit screen time to balance gaming with other activities.

3️⃣ Online Grooming

Some adults use the internet to build inappropriate relationships with children.

✔ Safe Usage:
✅ Remind children that “online friends” are not always real friends.
✅ Encourage them to report any uncomfortable conversations.
✅ Report suspicious activity to CEOP (Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre).

4️⃣ Inappropriate Content & Pornography

Children may stumble upon inappropriate content while browsing.

✔ Safe Usage:
✅ Have open discussions about online safety and values.
✅ Use parental controls and safe search filters.
✅ Encourage responsible internet use and reporting of inappropriate content.

5️⃣ Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying can happen anytime, anywhere and can be very distressing.

✔ Safe Usage:
✅ Encourage children to speak up if they are being bullied.
✅ Save evidence (screenshots, messages) and report incidents.
✅ Do not reply to bullies—it may escalate the situation.

The school has strict sanctions for cyberbullying, including potential exclusion.

6️⃣ Sexting & Sharing Explicit Images

⚠️ It is illegal to send, receive, or share explicit images of anyone under 18.

✔ Safe Usage:
✅ Talk about the risks of sharing private images.
✅ Teach children about peer pressure and how to say "no."
✅ Encourage open communication so they feel safe discussing online issues.

7️⃣ Digital Footprint & Online Reputation

Everything posted online can be saved, shared, and viewed years later – even if deleted.

✔ Safe Usage:
✅ Encourage students to Google themselves to see what’s online about them.
✅ Teach them to think: “Would I want my teacher or future employer to see this?”
✅ Be mindful of the long-term impact of posts and messages.

Student & Parent Agreement: ICT & Mobile Phone Use

By signing this agreement, you confirm that:

Students must:
✅ Use the internet only for school-related work as directed by teachers.
✅ Respect privacy—only delete their own files.
✅ Use only school-approved devices (e.g., USB sticks) for schoolwork.
✅ Not access social media, online games, or personal websites at school.
✅ Only email approved contacts with polite and responsible messages.
✅ Never take or share photos/videos of staff or students without permission.
✅ Report any harmful or distressing messages immediately.
✅ Understand that all ICT usage is monitored.

Parents must:
✅ Support responsible mobile phone use.
✅ Regularly check their child’s phone, messages, and online activity.
✅ Be aware that the school has the legal right to check students' phones if harmful content is suspected.

Consequences of Breaking the Rules:
Loss of ICT access at school.
Possible disciplinary action, including suspension or exclusion.

✍️ Sign Below to Confirm Understanding & Agreement

Student Name: ___ Signature: ___
Parent/Carer Name: ___ Signature: ___

By signing this, you agree to follow all ICT & mobile phone rules for a safer online environment.

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