The use of new technology as a means of communication has become part of our everyday lives, and are often used without a second thought. It is usually not until an issue arises that we stop and think about the consequences of our use of technology.

SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES (SNS)

Social Networking Sites such as Facebook are great to use, but here are a few pointers to keep your personal information as safe as possible:

Set up Privacy Settings so that YOU decide which areas of your profile can be accessed by others. In some instances, through the applications you add, others can access your personal information.
Always monitor the comments and entries posted on your pages and remember to be responsible and courteous online.
If you get contact requests, comments or messages from people either known or unknown, which makes you uncomfortable, talk to a trusted adult – this can be your parents/carer, Form Tutor, Head of House or other trusted adult. You can also report it to the site owners.
Make yourself aware of the Rights and Responsibilities of social networking sites.

WEBSITES

Anyone and everyone can have a website. This means that just because a website looks official doesn’t always mean it is.

Ask yourself:

What is the aim of the site?
Is it a personal site or an official site?
Who owns the website? Are there contact details on the site?
How often is the information updated?
If the site collects personal information, does it have a “privacy policy”?

CAMERA PHONES AND BLUETOOTH

Mobile Phones have Cameras, Bluetooth and Internet capabilities so you can be connected where ever you go. However, bear the following in mind:

Bluetooth can be used to harass, send files and bully others. Only turn Bluetooth on when it is necessary or use the ‘hidden’ visibility setting.
If you receive harassing or obscene messages, tell an adult immediately. Do not delete or forward these. Keep them as evidence that can be used when making a report.

MESSENGER PROGRAMS (IM)

Chatting with your friends online using Instant Messenger is fun and direct. However, there are a few things to bear in mind:

Unless you have made your profile private and only available to your contact list, other people can access it – so be careful what personal information you put on it.
Always tell an adult if a conversation online makes you feel uncomfortable. There are laws against harassment and bullying and you have the right to feel secure. If someone is bullying or harassing, you via text chat – keep the chat logs as evidence.
Block people that make you feel uncomfortable.
Always log off after you have finished, or someone could pretend to be you online.

GENERAL INTERNET COMMON SENSE

Think about what information you put in your online profiles.

Consider using a nickname
Make your profile private and only add friends whom you know in real life.
Remember there are laws to keep you safe and you should report issues like racist comments, bullying or sexually inappropriate comments to agencies such as CEOP or Internet Watch Foundation (IWF).
Any information you give out online can be easily copied, stored and misused by others. Remember this when you post photo’s or personal information.

Everyone has a right to feel safe and for the majority, you will be lucky and not have any issues, however like the lottery...it could be you.

If you get into a situation that makes you feel uncomfortable, confused, upset and don't know who to turn to look at this website:

www.thinkuknow.co.uk

It is a safe website that offers help and support to you. You can feel confident in being honest and explaining any issues you have had.

If you have any concerns or experiences regarding your e-safety, you are advised to go to the CEOP (Child Exploitation and Online Protection) website.

Click here to go to the website.

'Pupils said that they feel safe in school and are taught how to keep themselves safe.' Ofsted January 2018