Online Safety Information
If you believe a child is in immediate danger call 999 or click here.
If you need to enquire about online safety or to make a report about an incident online, click the CEOP button and if able to, notify our Online Safety Lead (OSL) via telephone (01394 450281) or email (admin@orfordcvap.org)
What is Online Safety?
Online Safety can be defined in many ways, however, here at Orford we define Online Safety as: teaching both children and adults how to stay safe whilst using internet-enabled technology.
Online Safety at Orford CoE Primary School & Nursery
Online Safety is an important part of keeping children safe at Orford Primary School. We have extensive security measures in place in school to help safeguard pupils from potential dangers or unsuitable material. Any Online Safety incidents are recorded and managed in accordance with our Online Safety Policy. Online Safety is taught to all pupils explaining and demonstrating how to stay safe and behave appropriately online.
Please Note - Online Safety is not about banning children from using the Internet or technology but teaching them how to use it safely. Banning children from using technology often makes a child less likely to report a problem.
Children and young people are likely to be as good as, if not better than, their parents at using the Internet. However, being good at using technology does not mean they have the life-experience and wisdom to handle all of the situations they can come across.
Children and young people are prone to the same kinds of risks (including spam and scam emails, fraud and identity theft) as everybody else. However, there are also other, more sinister threats that may result from going online, such as inappropriate contact from people who may wish to abuse, exploit or bully them, and exposure to inappropriate material.
The Internet is an invaluable tool for life-long learning and communication, we just help our children learn to use this tool safely. Here at Orford Primary School, we follow the SMART rules to keep safe online.
Online Safety at Home
As a parent, the technology children use every day can seem daunting and you might worry about the risks your child can face online - such as bullying, contact from strangers or the possibility of them seeing illegal or inappropriate content.
Below you will find a number of websites and resources to help protect your children online. One of the most effective ways is to engage with your children regarding their use of the internet while at home. Here are some conversation starter ideas from www.childnet.com
- Ask your children to tell you about the sites they like to visit and what they enjoy doing online.
- Ask them about how they stay safe online. What tips do they have for you, and where did they learn them? What is OK and not OK to share?
- Ask them if they know where to go for help, where to find the safety advice, privacy settings and how to report or block on the services they use.
- Encourage them to help. Perhaps they can show you how to do something better online or they might have a friend who would benefit from their help and support.
- Think about how you use the internet as a family. What could you do to get more out of the internet together and further enjoy your lives online?
The following links can help your family stay safe online:
National Safety online A library of help to understand many of the websites that children could access
Internet Matters How to activate simple parental controls around your home - an interactive guide
Common Sense Media Reviews and age ratings for TV, films, apps, games and websites
Thinkuknow Advice on using the internet safely for five-year-olds and upwards
CEOP Command Online and offline advice on child safety from the National Crime Agency
Childline Information and advice for children who are feeling scared or anxious
We also receive a monthly Online Safety newsletter (sent out with weekly notices) with recent tips and hints on how to keep your children safe when using different apps and devices. Please email the office if you would like a copy of any back issues.