E-safety means electronic safety.
It is concerned with the protecting of young people in the digital world and ensuring they feel safe when accessing new technology.
It helps to protect from unsuitable material and prohibited activities taking place online which can effect both adults and children.
Joint agreement on the use of social networking sites
The following has been agreed by the schools of the North West Hampshire Education Improvement Partnership (listed below) in order to protect and support our students and staff:
- Andover Education Centre
- Harrow Way Community School
- John Hanson Community School
- The Mark Way School
- Test Valley School
- Testbourne Community School
- Winton Community Academy
Social networking sites are an inevitable part of many students’ everyday lives. It is recognised that for the vast majority, these sites are used in a proper and respectful manner.
This agreement is made to deal with those instances where sites have been used inappropriately, in order to ensure a united and consistent approach across the region. All those party to this agreement do so with the aim of ensuring that all students and staff are free to work in a safe environment where learning is central and not undermined.
Accordingly, any case of offensive, harmful, libellous or otherwise inappropriate postings/messages on social networking sites, or any subscription to a posting which is directed towards any student, employee or Governor within the school community, will be treated as a very serious matter. In any such instance, the school to which the student belongs will trigger its discipline/behaviour policy, putting the individual at risk of exclusion.
Any questions or concerns relating to this agreement should be directed in the first instance to the Head of the school concerned.
Here are some simple rules to help to consider when going online.
As a student . . . . . .
- I will not give out personal information such as my address, telephone number, parents’ work address/telephone number without my parents’ permission.
- I will tell my parents right away if I come across something that makes me feel uncomfortable.
- I will never agree to get together with someone I “meet” online without first checking with my parents. If my parents agree to the meeting, I will be sure that it is in a public place and bring a parent along.
- I will talk with my parents about posting pictures of myself or others online and not post any pictures that my parents consider to be inappropriate.
- I will not respond to any messages that are mean or in any way make me feel uncomfortable. It is not my fault if I get a message like that. If I do I will tell my parents right away.
- I will talk with my parents so that we can set up rules for going online and using a mobile phone. We will decide upon the time of day that I can be online, the length of time I can be online and appropriate areas for me to visit. I will not access other areas or break these rules without their permission.
- I will not give out my passwords to anyone (even my best friends) other than my parents.
- I will check with my parents before downloading or installing software or doing anything that could possibly hurt our computer or mobile device or jeopardize my family’s privacy.
- I will be a good online citizen and not do anything that hurts other people or is against the law.
- I will help my parents understand how to have fun and learn things online and teach them things about the Internet, computers and other technology.