E-Safety Information for Parents & Students
E-safety is often defined as the safe and responsible use of technology. This includes the use of the internet and also other means of communication using electronic media (e.g. text messages, gaming devices, email etc.).
In practice, e-safety is as much about behaviour as it is electronic security. E-safety in this context is classified into three areas of risk:
- Content: being exposed to illegal, inappropriate or harmful material.
- Contact: being subjected to harmful online interaction with other users.
- Conduct: personal online behaviour that increases the likelihood of, or causes, harm.
It is important that all of our young people (and their parents and carers) are aware of the potential e-safety risks associated with the use of Computers, social networking media and mobile technologies.
If you have any comments or would like to contribute please email:
Overview guides to E-safety:
Thinkuknow for Parents and Carers
This is a website for parents that provides advice on many issues such as Cyberbullying, Social Networking and Chat. It has a particularly good section on reporting or what to do if you or your child is worried.
https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/parents/
ChildNet - Know IT All for Parents
Really good advice for Parents, in many different languages. It has a glossary of internet jargon and much more.
https://www.childnet.com/resources
Safer Internet Centre
E-safety tips, advice and resources to help children and young people stay safe on the internet.
http://www.saferinternet.org.uk/
Kidscape
Lots of links to resources and advice.
Social Media and Networking
Connect Safely offer a range of parental guides to lots of the lesser known social media systems. Very helpful information.
https://connectsafely.org/allguides/
Privacy Policy – "Facebook is about sharing. Our privacy controls give you the power to decide what and how much you share. Learn how to manage who can see your information on and off Facebook".
https://www.facebook.com/help/445588775451827
Facebook Guide for Parents
https://www.facebook.com/safety/groups/parents/
X (formally Twitter)
X has a section for families that goes through how twitter is a public content site but also how to secure your account.
https://help.x.com/en/safety-and-security
Connent Safely
Parental guide offered by Connect Safety .
https://connectsafely.org/parentguides/
Parental Control Software and Apps
PC Advisor compared a number of parental control packages, as well as guides on how to turn on parental restrictions for children. Well worth a read.
http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/test-centre/software/best-parental-control-software-2015-2016-3587080/
Safer Internet also have a clear guide on parental controls on “How to set up filters on your home internet to help prevent age inappropriate content being accessed on devices in your home.”
http://www.saferinternet.org.uk/advice-and-resources/parents-and-carers/parental-controls
Anti-Virus Software (FREE)
The one piece of software that is critical to have on your computer system. There are several free (see below) and some that require an annual subscription.
Microsoft Security Essentials
Free software from Microsoft built in to most new laptops/computers.
Avast
A lesser known, but very powerful anti virus software package. Its FREE edition is adequate for most home environments.
https://www.avast.com/en-gb/index
AVG
A popular anti virus package that also offers a FREE edition.
http://free.avg.com/gb-en/homepage
Please Note:-
The software listed above is not recommended by the college the information is only a guide to what is available. It is up to the individual to make an informed choice.