Online Safety
On this page, we have gathered a number of resources, documents, videos and links to other websites to help you successfully navigate through the ever-changing face of the internet.
If you have any questions then please don't hesitate to contact the school. We would be only too pleased to give you any help or advice about keeping you and your children safe whilst online.
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At Castle Cary School the safety of children is of upmost importance; this extends beyond the
school gates!
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Throughout our curriculum we teach the children about how to use all technology in a safe manner, whether this be using the internet, mobile phones, online gaming or online privacy.
Commitment to Online safety
In 2019 we were awarded the 360 degree safe accreditation as recognition of our commitment to Online safety. This was renewed in 2022.
Following the visit, the Assessor reported on
“The leadership by the Online Safety Lead of a highly effective Online Safety committee; the whole-school ethos with shared responsibility for Online Safety: with ‘Online Safety being everyone’s concern’ . There is an effective online safety curriculum and excellent engagement with parents through regular communication, a high visibility of Online Safety around the school and a rapid response to issues mentioned by parents”
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As a parent you'll know how important the internet is to children - they use it to learn, play, socialise and express themselves. It's a highly creative place of amazing opportunities. But the technology children use every day can seem a bit daunting and you might worry about the risks your child can face online - such as bullying, contact from strangers or the possibility of them seeing illegal or inappropriate content.
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You can download a simple checklist from NSPCC that may help you start to protect your children online and decrease the risks they face. Or you can engage with your children regarding their use of the internet while at home. Here are some conversation starter ideas from www.childnet.com
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Ask your children to tell you about the sites they like to visit and what they enjoy doing online.
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Ask them about how they stay safe online. What tips do they have for you, and where did they learn them? What is OK and not OK to share?
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Ask them if they know where to go for help, where to find the safety advice, privacy settings and how to report or block on the services they use.
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Encourage them to help. Perhaps they can show you how to do something better online or they might have a friend who would benefit from their help and support.
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Think about how you use the internet as a family. What could you do to get more out of the internet together and further enjoy your lives online
We have been working with the NSPCC to highlight the importance of online safety. To children, online friends are real friends. Online life is real life. There's no distinction.
For advice and support on setting up parental controls, adjusting privacy settings, understanding social networks and more check out the links below or call the NSPCC online safety advice helpline 0808 800 5002 - Lines are open from 9am - 7pm, Monday to Friday and 10am - 6pm on weekends. All calls are free of charge.