E-safety Parent Zone
Heathlands School recognises that the internet, mobile and digital technologies provide good opportunities for children and young people to learn, socialise and play, provided that they are safe.
The digital world is an amazing place, it is vast and fast moving but with few rules. Young people’s future economic success may be partly dependent on their online skills and reputation so they need to learn to use the internet safely.
We are committed to ensuring that all pupils and adults in the school community have the knowledge and understanding to use internet websites, social media and related technologies safely and responsibly. This is part of our safeguarding responsibility.
E-safety is covered in the curriculum for all pupils and staff are aware that some pupils may require additional support or teaching, including reminders, prompts and further explanation to reinforce their knowledge and understanding of online safety issues.
Regular advice regarding e-safety is sent out to parents via school texts and letters.
In this current climate, if your child is spending more time at home it will be important for them to stay connected with friends. Using web cameras and videophones to chat online and social media is a good way to do this. However, you may be concerned about their safety online, how to monitor this and how to make sure that they find a healthy balance. To help you do this there are lots of resources you can use to educate them in how to stay safe.
Childline online safety information. Their videos have subtitles:
https://www.childline.org.uk/info-advice/bullying-abuse-safety/online-mobile-safety/
Childline also have a deaf area of the website with BSL videos in BSL:
https://www.childline.org.uk/info-advice/bullying-abuse-safety/deaf-zone/bsl-videos/
Hertfordshire Young Minds guidance on using social media:
There are also apps available that can enable you as a parent to monitor and ensure your child is using social media safely. For example:
