Online safety is an important part of safeguarding at The Hayling College. We work with pupils, parents and carers to help young people use technology safely, responsibly and confidently.
How do we monitor and support online safety?
The College uses appropriate filtering and monitoring systems on school devices and networks. Potentially concerning online activity is flagged to authorised staff and considered in context so that appropriate support, education or safeguarding action can be taken.
Staff receive regular online-safety and safeguarding training. Helen Cox, Assistant Headteacher and Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), leads online safeguarding, supported by senior leaders and IT staff. The College's Safeguarding Governor provides additional oversight and challenge.
We educate pupils about the four main areas of online risk: content, contact, conduct and commerce. This includes cyberbullying, grooming and exploitation, inappropriate content, social media, scams, online sexual harm, misinformation and the safe and responsible use of artificial intelligence.
Child exploitation and grooming
Exploitation can begin online. Grooming happens when someone builds a relationship with a child in order to gain their trust and then manipulate, pressure or coerce them.
Parents and carers should be alert to changes such as increased secrecy around devices, unexplained gifts or money, new or unknown online contacts, changes in friendships or behaviour, anxiety or withdrawal, or a child becoming distressed about their online activity.
No single sign necessarily means that a child is being exploited, but significant changes are worth discussing.
How parents and carers can help
Talk regularly with your child about the apps, games and social media they use and who they communicate with. Encourage them to protect personal information, use privacy settings and tell a trusted adult if something online worries, frightens or pressures them.
If you are concerned about your child's online safety, please contact the College and ask to speak to a member of the Safeguarding Team.
Further advice is available from CEOP Safety Centre and UK Safer Internet Centre.
For the latest government guidance on how to keep your child safe online, please click the following link:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-keeping-children-safe-online
Guides for parents
How to parent guides for devices, games and platforms can be found here: https://www.vodafone.co.uk/newscentre/smart-living/digital-parenting/digital-parenting-pro#link-section-main-text