Online Safety
Online safety, also known as internet safety, cyber safety, and e-safety, is the act of staying safe online by being aware of the possible threats and risks to personal information, property, and reputation. Online safety involves protecting and managing your personal data, avoiding harmful or illegal content, and self-protection from computer crime. Online safety applies to all technological devices that have access to the internet, such as PCs, laptops, smartphones, and tablets.
IF YOU ARE WORRIED OR HAVE ANY CONCERNS,
CALL THE SAFEGUARDING
TEAM ON: 0345 565 2656
EMAIL: SAFEGUARDING@THESTCGROUP.CO.UK
What we do
We have an E-Safety Policy whose purpose is to safeguard activity on electronic devices and the internet, in addition to raising awareness of how to stay safe online which learners can access in their student handbook
What I will do
I will be aware of my own online safety.
I will report misleading websites, emails, phone numbers, phone calls, or text messages
I will report any malicious online activity to the safeguarding team.
I understand that when I send someone a photo I have no control over where that image may end up in the future
I am aware that some people on the internet/social media are not who they say they are
5 TIPS ON KEEPING YOUR INFORMATION SECURE
Use strong passwords
Set up 2-factor authentication
Keep your apps and devices safe and up to date
Make sure you log out when you’re using public or shared devices
Be careful which websites you’re using
Action Fraud is the UK’s national reporting centre for fraud and cyber crime where you should report fraud if you have been scammed, defrauded or experienced cyber crime.
TOP TIPS ON SETTING BOUNDARIES AROUND GAMING
Promote Safer Game Choices
Some games allow you to cooperate or compete with strangers which creates potential risks online. These include seeing upsetting content, experiencing cyberbullying or being groomed for coercive relationships. Talk about the hazards around strangers online. Set up parental controls which limit who can chat or send them friend requests.
Encourage Regular Breaks
Playing video games can be stressful, especially if you're playing competitive games that require a lot of thinking and focus. Playing for many hours non-stop can be exhausting and stressful. You start feeling extremely burnt out and tired, which isn't a good way to play games. It's supposed to be fun, exciting, and rewarding, not the opposite. Take a short break every hour, get some fresh air and keep hydrated. Set reminders to take a break.
Agree Spending Limits
Using the available spending limit settings can be a sensible way to help to stick to a limit. Have a conversation about the risk of overspending. Some good approaches to take are to either set a weekly or monthly limit or purchase game credits (often in the form of a gift card).
Discuss Age Rating
Have a conversation about why games have been given the age ratings that they have. PEGI has two different types of labels – one that shows the age that the game is suitable for and others that are content descriptors. Explain that this is not just about the type of content that children will encounter but also about the capabilities within the game to make purchases or to chat with other users. A common misconception is that the PEGI age ratings relate to the level of difficulty or the skills needed to complete a game – but they only refer to the age suitability.
Factor in Friends
Set boundaries before guests arrive by agreeing on a length of gaming time.
Encourage Gaming Together
Setting time aside to play video games together can be a productive way of encouraging you to share your hobby.
Talk About Emotions
Some games can provoke anger, but others can bring joy, humour and the thrill of overcoming a challenge. Try to steer towards games that tend to produce these more positive feelings.
Be Prepared For Trolls
Engaging with trolls or responding to their provocations only fuels their behaviour. Ignore their comments, mute or block them, and focus on enjoying the game without giving them the satisfaction they seek. If you encounter a troll, report their behaviour to the game administrators. Provide evidence if possible, such as screenshots or recordings, to support your case.