Online Safety

Ormiston Herman Academy promotes the safe and positive use of digital technology for pupils and parents/carers.

What is online safety?

Online safety is the safe use of information systems and electronic communications, including the internet, mobile phones and games consoles. It is important that children and young people understand the benefits, risks, and responsibilities of using information technology.

• Online safety concerns safeguarding children and young people in the digital world.
• Online safety emphasises learning to understand and use new technologies in a positive way.
• Online safety is less about restriction and more about education about the risks (as well as the benefits) so we can feel confident online.
• Online safety is concerned with supporting children and young people to develop safer online behaviours, both in and out of school.

Useful information to help keep your child safe online

Children Should:

• Ask permission before using the Internet.
• Only use websites you have chosen together or a child friendly search engine.
• Only email people they know (why not consider setting up an address book?).
• Ask permission before opening an email sent by someone they don’t know.
• Not use Internet chat rooms.
• Not use their real name when using games on the Internet (create a nickname).
• Never give out a home address, phone, or mobile number.
• Never tell someone where they go to school.
• Never arrange to meet someone they have ‘met’ on the Internet.
• Only use a webcam with people they know.
• Tell you immediately if they see anything they are unhappy with.