E-Safety in the Classroom

    It is very important that everyone, both adults and children know how to stay safe online 

1.    Who is responsible for eSafety in schools and what are the key issues?

All staff are responsible but the best practice is when children are helped to assess the risk of sites so that they are adopting safe practice when working without supervision. Key issues include; pupil safety, sharing too much information online which compromises their security and others, not sharing passwords.

http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/news/students-safest-using-internet-when-they-are-trusted-manage-their-own-risk

2.    How are parents and carers informed about eSafety?  Where can parents find out about health and safety issues regarding their children’s use of the internet?

Most schools have eSafety policies and acceptable use policies in place which are often set out on sections of the school website. Schools may also invite parents to school and run informative sessions on eSafety.

http://www.childnet.com/

https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/parents/

3.    What are the rules about photos of children on a school website?

Images of children must not be displayed in a public place without parental consent.  Images of children in suitable dress should be used. When possible, have photos that include groups of children.  Images will not be labeled with their name.

http://www.theschoolwebsite.com/healthandsafety.html

4.    How long should you allow a child to work on a pc (in health and safety terms!)

There is no specific rule for this but given the nature of the typical school day, it is unlikely that children will be working on a pc for any extended period of time. As they know the children, it is also in the teacher’s discretion.

There are some great online resources to teach and inform children how to stay safe online -

DigiDuck's Big Decision is a great e-book to use with the children as it informs them to think carefully before posting online.

Netsmartzkids is a great website to teach children about staying safe online

‘Digital Identity’ (DI) is a term to describe the persona an individual presents across all the digital communities in which he or she is represented.

What would someone who searches the Web for you find?  If someone searched for me using find people, there would be no results.  When using Google, there were 516 results, none of which related to me.

·    Does it reflect the image of yourself you want to portray? As far as I am aware, I do not have a digital identity and I am pleased with this as I don’t want people I don’t know finding out about me online.

·    If there is something about you on the Web, how would you find out about it? Using google if my name is used and perhaps with other details. If nothing comes up, then unfortunately I probably wouldn’t be able to find out.

·    What does it say about somebody if they have no Web presence in today’s world? They are a very private person whose presence may be invisible or they do not use the internet often to socially interact.

·     If you are responsible for others, e.g. a parent, mentee, partner in the field, or carer, are there any extra precautions you should take? If you do mention them online or publish photos, ask for their consent but best to keep details about others private.

·     Are you responsible for encouraging others to have a digital identity? When I become a teacher, yes in terms of children using the internet in the classroom.

·     If so, what are the things you should tell them about their digital identity. To be careful with regards to the information they put on the internet and how the internet is accessible to everyone. It is in their control.

·     What ethical standards should be considered?

            To be aware of moral dilemmas and the law.