Online Safety
What Is The Internet?
The Internet is a huge network of computers making a worldwide community.
It is a way of connecting computers together so that people using them can:
-Talk to each other and have fun
-Send and receive messages
-Obtain information and resources
-Publish information
-Buy and sell things
Why Do We Use The Internet In School?
The Internet is a unique and exciting resource.
It brings the world into the classroom.
It has many educational benefits:
-It gives children opportunities to find up to date information that might otherwise be unavailable in school
-It provides fast and efficient communication
It encourages independent learning and children enjoy using it
-Use of the Internet is an essential skill for children as they grow up in the modern world
What Are The Dangers For My Child Using The Internet?
The Internet is available to all. This can bring young people into contact with unsuitable persons.
Children should be taught:
-People they encounter on the Internet are not always who they say they are
-That they should never give personal details to a stranger on the Internet
-That they should never meet alone anyone contacted via the Internet
What Can We Do In School?
In our school we do everything we can to protect children using the Internet:
-All access to the Internet is provided through a filtered service
-Internet use is supervised by an adult
-Children discuss and investigate Internet Safety issues as part of their PDMU programme.
-Children are taught Internet Safety Rules
What Can You Do At Home?
It is important to promote Internet Safety in the home
and to take an interest in what your children are doing on the Internet.
-Keep the computer in an area of your home where you can see your child using it
-Keep an eye on the clock! Too much time spent on the Internet can be unhealthy
-Remind children that there are websites which are unsuitable.If they come across unsuitable materials, they must tell you ---Know the SMART rules for Internet safety and discuss them with your children
Safer Schools NI App
The Safer Schools NI App is provided to our school by the Department of Education and INEQE Safeguarding Group. This app is available to download for free on Google Play and the App Store. The Safer Schools NI App provides you with a wealth of up-to-date information and support on online safety as well as easy access to our latest news in school, policies and our school calendar. Once you have downloaded the app, you will need to use our school QR code and the pupil or parent/carer login code. These are available by contacting Mrs Keenan via the School Office.
Online Safety User Agreements
SMART online safety rules poster
Useful Websites
Safer Internet Day 2022
This year’s theme on Safer Internet Day was ‘All fun and games? Exploring respect and relationships online’.
Our Digital Leaders performed assemblies to each Key Stage before all classes participated in a range of activities on online safety.
Article 16: You have the right to privacy.
Article 19: You have the right to be protected from being hurt, in body or mind.
Article 8: You have the right to protect your identity.
Article 17: You have the right to access information from a variety of sources.
Safer Internet Day
Tuesday 9th February 2021
An internet we trust: exploring reliability in the online world
The pupils of St. Columba’s celebrated Safer Internet Day a little differently today. This year’s theme, ‘An internet we trust: exploring reliability in the online world’ was explored through participation in a range of activities throughout all classes. Now, more than ever, we are all spending more time on line. The importance and significance of celebrating together has never been greater!
Article 16: You have the right to privacy.
Article 19: You have the right to be protected from being hurt, in body or mind.
Article 8: You have the right to protect your identity.
Article 17: You have the right to access information from a variety of sources.
Safer Internet Day 2020
We celebrated Safer Internet Day on 11th February 2020. Our Digital Leaders led all pupils in Assembly on the importance of staying safe online, then each class completed tasks focusing on this year's Safer Internet Day theme 'Together for a better Internet'. #freetobe
