E-Safety

Etching Hill is committed to ensuring all pupils are safe and responsible users of existing and new technologies. Being online is an integral part of children and young people’s lives. Social media, online games, websites and apps can be accessed through mobile phones, computers, laptops and tablets – all of which form a part of children and young people’s online world.

The internet and online technology provides new opportunities for young people’s learning and growth, but it can also expose them to new types of risks. Therefore, E-safety forms a fundamental part of our safeguarding and child protection measures.

Curriculum

Etching Hill ensures that all pupils receive an age appropriate input on e-safety each year throughout the curriculum which incorporate the SMART rules which are reinforced in school:

  • Safe - Keep safe by being careful not to give out personal information when you're chatting or posting online. Personal information includes your email address, phone number and password.

  • Meeting - Meeting someone you have only been in touch with online can be dangerous. Only do so with your parents' or carers' permission and even then only when they can be present. Remember online friends are still strangers even if you have been talking to them for a long time.

  • Accept - Accepting emails, IM messages, or opening files, pictures or texts from people you don't know or trust can lead to problems - they may contain viruses or nasty messages!

  • Reliable - Someone online might lie about who they are and information on the internet may not be true. Always check information with other websites, books or someone who knows. If you like chatting online it's best to only chat to your real world friends and family.

  • Tell - Tell your parent, carer or a trusted adult if someone or something makes you feel uncomfortable or worried, or if you or someone you know is being bullied online.