Children today have embraced new technologies as a source of information, education and entertainment. The use of digital technology has been completely normalised by this generation, and it is now fully integrated into their daily lives. Technology is changing all the time and young people are no longer passive recipients of online information but are increasingly interacting directly within a digital landscape in a variety of ways. 

Children are increasingly referred to as ‘digital natives’: citizens born into a digital world, who grow up surrounded by and emerged in the technology and tools of the digital age. Their confidence and skills in using this technology is typically high, but their knowledge and awareness of the inherent issues, risks and dangers is usually very low. Children and young people need to be empowered to keep themselves safe – this isn’t just a top down approach. Children will be children – pushing boundaries and taking risks. Teaching your child about technology should be seen as another part of keeping them safe, just like crossing the road or learning to swim.

• Do you know how to keep your children safe?
• Do your children know how to keep safe?

Our School is committed to discussing these serious issues as part of our E-safety curriculum (including capturing their online habits in our E-safety questionnaire) but we can only be successful if we all work together: pupils, parents and teachers.

Tips for staying safe online:

• Make sure you keep new online friends strictly online. If someone you don't know asks to be your online friend you must ensure an adult knows about it.
• Know how to use the CEOP Button and how to report it to the CEOP Centre if you are concerned about someone’s online behaviour towards you.