10th February 2023
This week we have been busy busy busy reminding children in all classes about the importance of staying safe online - from watching videos on YouTube to playing Switch with friends or even when searching for information through a web browser. In addition to class activities, we have had two fabulously informative assemblies.
Philip Ridley, a Cyber Security specialist from Inta Forensic came to speak with Key Stage 2. Our Online Safety committee had prepared questions for him which Philip addressed through his talk. He spoke and gave simple and effective tips to keep your profile safe online, reminded children about what to do if you have Early Warning signs and he also discussed the huge plethora of jobs that children could aspire to do in the Cyber Security job world. The children (and staff) were clearly in awe of Philip's incredible knowledge and skill and they asked some wonderful questions.
Our Online Safety Committee then led an assembly for Key Stage 1 reminding them of key messages such as - keeping your personal profile private and what to do if you feel worried about anything. The children presented, acted and answered the children's questions with great confidence and understanding. We were very proud of them.
In classes this week:
Reception read the story of Penguin Pig. This is a brilliant story that demonstrates that not everything you read online is real and there may be something behind it trying to trick you. It reminds us that we should always speak with a trusted adult. The children have painted their own fantastic Penguin Pig characters and at home this week they are going to think of more animal combinations so we have a great collection of animals characters to remind us of this message.
Year 1 read a story called Chicken Clicking which emphasised the importance of online safety. The children created their own posters to point out the importance of safety on the internet, with particular reference to the danger of becoming online friends.
Year 2 looked at the story The Internet is a puddle by Shona Innes. We then considered key messages for how we could protect ourselves online. We decided to never share our personal details, use an avatar online and always tell a trusted adult if we are worried. We wrote fact files to share this information. Finally, we took a photo and posted a voice message on seesaw to our adults to share our learning.
Year 3 thought more about the importance of having secure passwords and how they can create and remember them. The children then designed posters to let other people know how they can create strong passwords and stay safe online.
Year 4 have discussed cyber bullying and ensuring actions online reflect your actions in person.
Year 5 discussed PEGI ratings and social media restrictions, why we have them and why they’re important in keeping us safe.
Year 6 learnt how to control our images online. We considered photographs and what happens to them online and how to maintain control of our photographs. We watched 'Tom's Internet Safety Story', and discussed the dangers Tom faced, why and what he could have done differently.
It has been wonderful to see how clued up our children are about how to stay safe online. Our focus now, as always, is to ensure these messages continue day in, day out - at home as well as in school.
