We live in two worlds but are made for one and not the other.
Random Reward – how do we become addicted to smart phones and gaming?
How should you behave online?
What Would King Kong Do?
PREVENT > CAUTION > REPORT
• Prevent – Profiles on private, don’t add people you do not know, don’t share personal information
• Caution – Watch out for any unpleasant content/unexpected requests
• Report – Get a second opinion. Report to parents, school, CEOP. If in imminent danger –POLICE!
How are pupils kept safe at school?
Online Safety Tools
Keyloggers:
• Monitors keystrokes to detect inappropriate or risky online behavior.
• Helps identify potential misuse of school devices and ensures accountability.
Filters:
• Blocks access to inappropriate websites and harmful content.
• Customizable to suit different age groups and educational needs.
Monitoring Software:
• Tracks online activity on school devices in real-time.
• Alerts staff to any suspicious behavior, allowing for prompt intervention.
Firewalls:
• Protects the school’s network from external threats, such as hackers and malware.
• Adds a layer of security to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information.
Device Restrictions:
• Limits what pupils can download or access on school devices.
• Ensures that only approved applications and websites are available, reducing risks.
Chromebooks
Chromebooks in Learning:
Chromebooks play an essential role in enhancing pupils' learning experiences.
They are flexible and cost-effective, allowing the school to provide more devices and resources for students.
Expanded Range of Tasks:
Chromebooks enable a diverse array of activities, greatly broadening the tasks pupils can undertake.
This variety leads to increased engagement and deeper participation in learning.
Pupil Responsibility for Device Care:
Pupils are expected to maintain the good working order of their Chromebooks, ensuring they remain functional and ready for learning each day.
A well-maintained Chromebook should last from Year 7 to Year 11.
In-School Protections:
At school, Chromebooks are equipped with extensive safety features, including filters, monitoring software, firewalls, and device restrictions, which ensure secure use. These protections help maintain a safe online environment while pupils are under the school’s care.
Limited Protections Outside School:
Many of these protections only apply within the school’s network, so they no longer function once pupils leave the school premises at the end of the day.
Although we track web history and keep records that are monitored through automated software during school hours, once pupils leave, they become the responsibility of their parents.
How can I keep my child safe at home?
Tips for parents
OPENNESS
• Have open conversations about online activities to avoid secret accounts.
• Parents should acknowledge that children have a right to privacy. Children should acknowledge parents have a responsibility to protect them from harm. Come to a mutual agreement about how this can happen.
• Be open with children about your online activities. Model what a responsible online user should do. If you make a mistake, show them how you coped with the situation.
• Discuss their goals – What are they trying to achieve on a game, on social media, with friends? How are they doing this? How can you help?
Trust but verify
• Monitor what your child is accessing on the internet
• Know your child’s passwords
Tips for parents
• Make sure your child’s privacy settings are set to high (so information can only be seen by friends).
• Research new apps. If you see your child using an app you are unfamiliar with, find out about it. Feel free to contact the school if you need some support.
Tips for parents
Never ignore the issue, your child can put themselves at risk unknowingly.
Your Questions – in summary
What online safety and security measures are in place on school Chromebooks, both at school and at home?
Can parents set additional restrictions or time limits on Chromebooks for use at home, and what support does the school offer in managing screen time? Will the presentation be recorded or the slides shared for those unable to attend?
How are Chromebooks monitored for appropriate use, and what restrictions are in place to prevent access to social media and other non-educational content?
How does the school balance the amount of online learning with offline activities to support well-being and avoid excessive screen time?
Your Questions – in detail
Coordination on Chromebook Use:
- How do teachers coordinate Chromebook use throughout the day and for homework to avoid excessive screen time before bed?
Messaging Capabilities:
- Who can pupils message on their Chromebooks? This concern was linked to a family decision to delay personal messaging devices and a request for the school to reinforce Chromebook use solely for homework.
Physical Condition of Chromebooks:
- Concerns were raised about the wear and tear on Chromebooks, especially second-hand devices provided by the school. There were questions about the replacement plan and longevity of these devices, especially for families who had to purchase them.
Support for Specific Apps:
- One parent asked if their child could access a specific app, Tomplay (a music app), or other similar apps on their Chromebook for enrichment beyond standard school tasks.
School’s Stance on ‘Dumb’ Phones vs. Smartphones:
- A question inquired about the use of ‘dumb’ phones (basic phones) at school, seeking insight into other families’ choices and school culture around smartphone use.
