eSafety Information
We are committed to ensuring that students are safe when using the internet at Cowbridge Comprehensive School. We ask parents/carers to be interested and supportive when monitoring their children’s use of the internet. This page has been designed to give you information that will support you in this role.
What is my child doing online through social networking?
When online, children and young people can learn new things, get help with their homework, express themselves creatively and connect with friends and family. There are also risks, but by understanding and talking about the dangers you can help keep your child safe online.
As part of our PSHE and ICT curriculum, students are taught about all aspects of staying safe online. They are encouraged to report any negative issues they may encounter online to a trusted adult. The school organises annual meetings for parents around eSafety in the Christmas Term.
The information provided on this page will provide information and support to ensure that your child stays safe online.
Top Tips for Pupils
- Don’t post any personal information online – like your address, email address or mobile number.
- Think carefully before posting pictures or videos of yourself. Once you’ve put a picture of yourself online most people can see it and may be able to download it, it’s not just yours anymore.
- Keep your privacy settings as high as possible
- Never give out your passwords
- Don’t befriend people you don’t know
- Don’t meet up with people you’ve met online. Speak to your parent or carer about people suggesting you do
- Remember that not everyone online is who they say they are
- Think carefully about what you say before you post something online
- Respect other people’s views, even if you don’t agree with someone else’s views doesn’t mean you need to be rude
- If you see something online that makes you feel uncomfortable, unsafe or worried: leave the website, turn off your computer if you want to and tell a trusted adult immediately.
Top Tips for Parents
- Talk to your child about what they’re up to online. Be a part of their online life; involve the whole family and show an interest.
- Encourage your child to go online and explore sites which are fun, educational and that will help them to develop online skills.
- Keep up-to-date with your child’s development online.
- Set boundaries in the online world just as you would in the real world. Think about what they might see, what they share, who they talk to and how long they spend online.
- Keep all equipment that connects to the internet in a family space.
- Know what connects to the internet and how. Make sure you’re aware of which devices that your child uses connect to the internet, such as their phone or games console.
- Use parental controls on devices that link to the internet, such as the TV, laptops, computers, games consoles and mobile phones.
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