e-Safety

The Internet, whether accessed from a computer, mobile phone or other device, has become embedded within modern family life. It is used to buy and sell goods, online banking, find information and socialising. It can also have a darker side with cybercrime, inappropriate material and illegal activity taking place online effecting both adults and children. e-Safety is concerned with the safeguarding of young people in the "digital" world and ensuring they feel safe when accessing new technology.

Technology

Working closely with Kent County Council, an e-Safety Officer is working within the school to help children, parents/carers and teachers understand online dangers and how to combat them. The school also utilise global technology partners Aruba, Websense and Sophos to assist with Mobile PC Security, Anti-Virus protection and URL/Web-browsing filtering services. The school recommends the nationally acclaimed 'ThinkUKnow' Internet safety scheme. The ThinkUKnow scheme from the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (CEOP) highlights the importance of online safety to children and parents and also encourages them to use the "Report Abuse" button which can be used to get help and advice and report illegal online behaviour.

Guidance

For advice and guidance on how to stay safe online, we recommend the following sites for both Students and Parents:

CEOP - Child Exploitation & Online Protection Service	CEOP
ThinkUKnow - Guide to internet safety and safe surfing for you people	ThinkUKnow
Childnet International - educating young people about safe and positive use of the internet	KnowItAll
Facebook - ClickCEOP	facebook.com/ClickCEOP
SaferInternet.org.uk - Parents guide to Technology	SaferInternet.org.uk
Vodaphone - Easy to follow steps and guidance to help raise online safety	Vodaphone Digital Parenting