Who needs to be involved?

Quite simply - everyone!

e-Safety is something that involves anyone who uses, or sees in use, new technologies. One of the biggest impediments to ensuring a safe working environment is the failure to recognise that it is an issue for all concerned. Taking the stance that 'this is not for us' or 'it couldn't happen here' is simply making you more vulnerable. It is much more positive to adopt the view that 'we will take every step to ensure it won't happen here!'

We take every opportunity, in the school and in the home, to ensure that young people do not come in to contact with the wrong people or inappropriate behaviour. This approach in the real world is just as significant in the virtual world. A virtual world is, in the main, a digital experience populated by real people. Whenever we are responsible for young people, or those in society who are vulnerable, then we have a duty to care for them, for who they meet and what they experience.

In a school situation it is essential to create an ethos where learners will care for one another and where young people are willing to share their experiences, and where necessary to report them, without fear of blame. This is the foundation of the e-safety process. Above that comes the layer of responsible adults - not just teachers - to whom a learner can turn if they encounter something or someone inappropriate and who will keep a watchful eye for anything untoward.

Each school should also have a dedicated 'e-Safety' representative who will work in conjunction with the nominated member of staff for Child Protection. The e-Safety representative will be a named member of staff who both parents and children know they can turn to and who can provide advice to colleagues. Hence the concept of a separate role; however, reporting of incidents will continue to be done through the designated Child Protection member of staff.

Taking a strategic role for the school and acting as a bridge between home and school should be a nominated 'e-Safety Governor'.

 

Last Modified: 06/08/2009 07:55:41
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