ONLINE SAFETY EDUCATION

At Victoria Park Primary School we believe that digital technologies are very powerful resources which can enhance and transform teaching and learning.  Given the school’s vision of preparing pupils for life, we are committed to promoting pupils’ skills within the use of technology across the curriculum.  We believe that technology has an integral role to play in helping pupils to achieve their full potential, assisting them in overcoming barriers to learning and in supporting learning throughout the school community.  Ultimately, our vision is to encourage and nurture within our pupils, and indeed the entire school community, knowledge, skills and qualities that will make them responsible digital citizens both now and in the future, equipped to face the exciting new and ever developing opportunities and challenges presented by constantly evolving technology, safely and confidently.  Online Safety education is a vital part of this vision.

 

We trust that you find the information below useful.  If you wish to discuss any issues relating to online safety in more detail, please make an appointment with the school office to speak to Mr Bleakley, our ICT Co-ordinator, or Mrs McDougall, our Head of Pastoral Care.

SAFER SCHOOLS APP

Created by the Department of Education for Northern Ireland, the Safer Schools  App is designed to support parents and carers, as you keep the children and young people in your care safer online. The App will provide you with information on how you can make your home and devices safer.  It gives you an in-depth understanding of Social Media and the benefits and risks of apps such as Snapchat, Instagram and Houseparty to name but a few.

The App will also provide you with more information on inspiring healthy media habits and screen time, as well as making you aware of scams and keeping personal information safer online. The in-app Safety Centre also provides you with up-to-date information on how to block, mute and report anything you or your child may find worrying or upsetting online, from images to comments from online bullies.

 

Please click the link below for more information and instructions of how to download this free and useful app.

PSNI Top Tips for Parents

 

Please find below information from the police of how to keep your family safe online.

https://www.psni.police.uk/safety-and-support/keeping-safe/protecting-yourself/internet-safety/keeping-children-safe-online

 

SMART TIPS FOR PUPILS

We like to remind all our pupils to be SMART when using technology and playing online.  These SMART tips are displayed around the school to help pupils remember these important points with Roary our Victoria Park Cyber Tiger!

 

Online Safety Newsletters

As a reminder the school's Online Safety Newsletters for parents are available each month from the Newsletters section of the school website and app.

If you need any information about an app or platform that your child is using and you need more information on, please just let us know and we will try our best to help you.

Have a look on our Digital Leaders' page to see the important tips they have for all children in the school

 Think U Know have some great advice for parents to help keep their children safe online.   

Common Sense Media have a very informative guide to Fortnite for parents, in addition to the one above.