Online Safety

As a school, we are constantly looking at ways in which we can help to prepare our children for the wider world.  The internet and social media have become a significant pull for children and adults and whilst this most definitely enhances our daily lives, there is a constant need to be aware that there is a darker side to the internet.  We work hard to ensure that the children understand the rules around the use of the internet and social media but as parents, you too can support your children by becoming great role models for them.  There are always going to be occasions where children are faced with a dilemma or a moral challenge linked to social media and we hope that our strong rooted values support them in making the right decisions when online.  Discriminatory comments about Littlebourne staff, parents, carers and children can be overheard by others and can lead to online abuse.  This is something taken seriously and we welcome reports of such incidents.  In order to highlight the dangers to our Littlebourne community, which includes parents, visitor and guests these simple online safety thoughts should be reflected on by all.

Respectful behaviour should be shown at all times, even when hiding behind a screen.  It is very easy to say unkind, hurtful or slanderous things when you can’t see the person you are talking to.  Just because you can’t see the person, it doesn’t mean you aren’t bullying them.  Threads shared through social media can be used to prosecute others so be careful what you write!  If you see hurtful content, no matter who it is directed at, show respect by reporting it.

There are many individuals that use the internet and social media to express their opinions and this can be great for connecting with like minded people however, in instances where this is used to express personal hatred for others, the well being consequences are great.  At Littlebourne, we use our value of compassion to support and protect others.  If you see it, read it, hear it – REPORT IT.

It takes a lot of courage to stand up for somebody and our value of courage helps us to build the courage to stop unwanted behaviour online.  By speaking up you are actively helping somebody else.  How would you feel if something was written or said about you, or encouraged others to join in their negative behaviour against you (bullying) and you can’t defend yourself?  Use your courage to speak up about negative uses of the internet and social media.

We are rooted in hope.  Hope that others will treat people as they wish to be treated.  By respecting the use of social media and the internet, we give hope to those that need it.  By report the things that go against our values, we can hope for safety.  We hope all of our community lead with hope.

This is what builds a community and a community can include everyone and anyone.  Physical or online communities are not owned by anyone.  We are all different, we are all unique and we all have a personal opinion that helps to build a multi-cultural community.  Without differences we become the same.  Without differences we learn not to grow.  Regardless of who we are, we all build a community and each and every member should be treated with the respect they deserve.  Koinonia teaches us to respect the voices and opinions of others.  Koinonia allows us to recognise that we are all equal and should be treated as such even online.

Information and Help

We have posted here some online factsheets from the Safeguarding Training Centre which may be helpful to you.  They give information about the potential dangers associated with sites such as Fortnite, Snapchat. WhatsApp and TikTok, how to use these sites more safely, how to change privacy settings and how to report abuse.  The risks our children face is very different to those we learnt to deal with. 

We would suggest that you continue to talk openly with your children and monitor their online use regularly.

Our policies linked to Online Safety can be found by clicking the button below.

Safe Search Engines for Children