Safe Use of the Internet
All computers in the Academy have Internet access, as the Internet is an invaluable research tool for students. (We do however have blocks on unsuitable sites).
Just like the offline world, the online world has its hazards which can seem daunting if you are not as used to computers as your children. While we do not want to deter them from using it, after recent events highlighted by the media of the dangers of the Internet here are some guidelines for both parents and students to observe when surfing at home.
Tips for Parents
Take the time to find the best and most useful sites for you and your family. Add them to your favourites. Give each family member their own folder for their favourite sites.
Get involved and learn as much as you can about the Internet yourself. Surfing should be a family activity, so use the Internet together as often as you can and discuss any problems that you encounter.
Keep the computer in a room where the whole family can use it.
Get to know who your children are meeting online and make sure that they are wary of strangers and never give out any information that would allow someone to contact them offline.
Keep an eye on the kind of material your children are looking at and make sure that they go to sites that you want them to. (You can easily check the sites that they have visited).
Consider installing some of the filtering tools that are available (the Academy uses one) to prevent your children visiting unsuitable sites.
Teach your children not to open emails and attachments or download files from people they do not know.
Keep the computer where you can check how long your children have been on the Internet. Take an active interest in what your children are up to on the net.
Tips for students
Remember people on the Internet may not be who they say they are. Someone who says they're Duncan from ‘Blue' could well be a middle-aged man.
Never give out personal details;
No email address;
No mobile numbers;
No home or school address;
Never meet an online friend without an adult;
Never ask for someone else's details;
If you are sending a description don't include information that could identify you offline, phone numbers, address.
No pictures of yourself
Here are some useful websites offering guidelines to parents and children.