online Safety
In a world where technology is being used more widely and interactively all the time, South Malling’s online safety curriculum aims to equip its pupils with the knowledge and skills to use technology safely to find things out and explore ideas at both local and global levels.
We aim to give children the skills and knowledge to communicate their thoughts and findings considerately, to recognize when something is unsafe or unkind and to know what to do next. Through authentic experiences linked to other areas of their learning, we aim to inspire children to work at their challenges with all their heart and extend their learning when away from school.
Online Safety in our curriculum
To teach these objectives we use the Project Evolve curriculum, but we also make links with Life Skills lessons, class meetings, Oracy and reading.
Safer Internet Day - we use this as an extra opportunity to focus on Online Safety
Anti-Bullying Week - we use this week to focus on cyberbullying
Pupils' Acceptable Use Agreement
Progression in Internet Use
Early Years Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1
At this level, use of the Internet will either be quite heavily supervised or based around pre-selected, safe websites. Children will be regularly reminded about how to always take care when clicking and to seek help/advice from an adult if they see anything that makes them unhappy or that they are unsure about.
Lower Key Stage 2
Children will now be given more opportunities to develop their digital literacy skills (e.g. sending polite and friendly messages online to other children, the need to create strong passwords etc). They will be shown how to develop a responsible attitude towards searching the World Wide Web and will be reminded of the need to report any concerns they have. The importance of creating strong passwords and the benefits of only joining child-friendly websites will also be taught.
Upper Key Stage 2
Children will now be encouraged to become more independent at researching for information on the World Wide Web, being taught the necessary skills to critically evaluate sites for accuracy and suitability. They will be supported in using online collaboration tools more for communicating and sharing ideas with others, including being taught the need for not revealing personal information to strangers. The aim is to teach them how to manage and deal with risks they encounter by themselves, whilst at the same time encouraging them to become positive users of both new and emerging technologies.
Resources for parents and carers
Open For Parents - Managing Screen Time Struggles