managing ict managing ict
Web of protection
Sally-Ann
Griffiths
highlights the
most common
threats to children online and
looks at what schools can do
hile today’s digital
W
generation has a wealth
of opportunities to exploit
through the application of
iCt, there are also aspects
that can prove a significant
risk. these dangers range
from students accessing inappropriate internet sites to
the threat of cyber-bullying, and in its most extreme
form, predator grooming.
this is, of course, why e-safety is important.
safeguarding students in both the real and virtual world
is part of the duty of care that applies to everyone
working with young people.
e-safety is not an iCt issue, but a child safety issue.
schools should view it as an extension of the general
safeguarding of its students; managed and led by the
same team that deals with associated issues, such as people to explore the possibilities of state-of-the-art in terms of promoting the e-safety message, schools teachers and schools do not have to face the e-
bullying, in the real world. technologies.” are currently using a variety of methods. Parents’ safety issue alone. it is an issue that should be tackled
e-safety education should be a continuing feature For young people, technology is about more than evenings can be used to improve awareness and by many organisations collaboratively. Furthermore,
of both staff development and students’ learning, and just learning, it provides a forum in which they can encourage parents to reiterate the messages in the home there are a selection of organisations that provide
implemented in an integrated manner. develop their social life and be entertained. however, environment. teddington, for example holds a road various sources of information and advice, ranging from
assistant head Kevin Watling, from teddington students are not the only users of social networking show for parents. government organisations such as Becta, to charities
school in Richmond upon thames, explained: “Rather sites, teachers who use this form of communication assemblies are another option. specialist e-safety such as Childnet international. Grids for learning and
than implementing our e-safety approach as a draconian are also susceptible to risks, such as being harassed or organisations can be invited to undertake presentations, local authorities are another source of support. SecEd
measure, at teddington we encourage our students, intimidated via these technologies. or acting companies could undertake a play about e-
staff, and parents to work with us. if it’s viewed as an Furthermore, some teachers may invite students to safety to raise awareness. • Sally-Ann Griffiths is director of e-safety at Securus.
integral part of the way we safeguard students, a far be their “friends” on social networking sites, which
greater level of support is received.” although innocently done, can lead to problems.
today’s students have access to everything from Mr Uttley continued: “Using and misusing
interactive whiteboards and laptops to mobile learning technology is no longer an issue for students alone.
devices. these new technologies should be embraced, staff are comfortable with using social networking sites
rather than restricted. simon Uttley, head at st Paul’s too, and may view their actions on these sites differently
school in sunbury, for instance, is considering an to how they view them in the ‘real’ world, which could
unusual approach to e-safety that he plans to implement leave them in vulnerable situations. therefore it is IS YOUR SCHOOL WEBSITE
over the next few months. about promoting the e-safety message to everyone.”
he explained: “We want to encourage our students the most widespread e-safety breach in schools,
to be as creative as possible with the technology that is however, is when young people access and upload
WORKING FOR YOU?
available in every aspect of their lives. i am currently inappropriate content by circumventing existing
considering ‘anarchy hour’, to provide students with filtering to access blocked websites. another concern
the opportunity to use a variety of applications in is cyber-bullying, which more and more schools now
a controlled environment – everything from social have to deal with. digital technologies such as email,
networking sites to iPods. instant messaging, chatrooms and so on are the catalyst
“i think the risks of taking a prohibitive approach for cyber-bullying, as they provide an anonymous
Bright Schools provide a wealth of interactive
to technology are far greater than allowing young method by which bullies torment their victims.
an effective way for schools to approach their e-
website tools to improve communication and
10 most common online threats
safety is to the use Becta’s Pies model (see graphic
below) as a framework. it offers a simple way of
create a vibrant online school community
• cyber-bullying or harassment
limiting risks through a combination of effective
• Predator grooming in chatrooms policies and practice, a robust and secure technology
• accessing age-inappropriate images or
infrastructure, and education and training for students
content
and adults. this is underpinned by standards and
inspection. ofsted now measures the extent to which
• Exposure to inaccurate or misleading
learners in a school feel safe and adopt safe practices,
information
especially on the internet.
• Exposure to socially unacceptable however, it is not the technology that is the problem,
material (sexual, racial, religious hatred)
it is the people that use it, or as the Byron report identifies,
• Exposure to illegal material (images of
the “behaviours”. education and training is therefore
imperative, and schools cannot rely on technological
child abuse)
solutions alone to address e-safety issues.
• Disclosure of personal information
it is essential to embed messages into the national
• Piracy of software, music or video curriculum and reinforce them every time a student
• Spyware and viruses
uses technology. this is achievable through developing
• Exposure to inappropriate commercial
students’ critical thinking skills, allowing them to assess
the issues and risks.
advertising (online gambling)
the policies and procedures that schools have must
E-safety tips
be monitored and evaluated. the majority of schools
CONTaCT BRIGHT SCHOOLS FOR FLExIBLE WEBSITE
have an acceptable Use Policy in place, but is it kept
• create an acceptable Use Policy (aUP)
up-to-date? technologies are developing at such a rate
SOLUTIONS TO SUIT YOUR ONLINE REqUIREmENTS
for staff and students that these policies need to reflect the rapid advances.
• Enhance teachers’ e-safety skills and
training
Policies and
• Ensure there is a link governor
procedures
• integrate e-safety into the curriculum
• consult Becta e-safety publications
• Evaluate and monitor e-safety
t 0800 680 0327
procedures regularly
Standards
• Understand local authority e-safety
and inspection
e info@brightschools.co.uk
Education
Infrastructure
guidance and training
and technology w brightschools.co.uk
(for staff, parents, pupils)
• Keep parents up-to-date with e-safety
messages
Stay safe: Becta’s PIES model for e-safety
SecEd • may 14 2009 11
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