e-Safety in Schools

The opening paragraph of the new government advice document states that "... it is vital that schools understand the issue, know how to prevent and respond to incidents, and are updated on the legal issues surrounding this challenging subject".

Understanding the issue is the relatively easy part. Knowing how to prevent and respond to incidents cuts to the very core of the problem. Much of the advice is excellent. Sites like RateMyTeacher can be used to cyberbully or intimidate staff; however the crux of the matter is the legal powers a school has to intervene in activities that are most frequently managed and executed from outside of school.

Head teachers have the power "... to such extent as is reasonable" to regulate the conduct of pupils when they are off-site or not under the control or charge of a member of staff. More realistically, the Education Inspections Act 2006 provides a defence for a school to confiscate items from a child, and the school discipline and pupil behaviours policy guidance allows staff to ask to reveal a message or show them content on a device. If a child refuses of course, then they can only be disciplined for the failure to follow a reasonable instruction, and not for the act that is suspected. the latter (as it is a more serious issues) is likely to be the reaction.

Whilst the guidance is very helpful, it does highlight the difficulties schools face on a daily basis with a confusion of rules, policies, laws and guidance are on this and other issues.

I do like some of the practical advice ... "treat your passwords like you would your toothbrush, don't share ..."

There is a really useful Acceptable Use Policy included as an appendix to the document. The only issue I would challenge is that Internet access is a privilege not a right ... Mmmm, I think virtual exclusions may be subject to challenge, especially if it disadvantages a child.

The presenter of the BBC programme, 'The House of Tiny Tearaways', Dr Tanya Byron is to head an independent review jointly commissioned by the Dept. for children, schools and families (DCSF), and the Dept. for culture media and sport (DCMS).

The inquiry looks to have the right focus, i.e. it aims to look at what needs to be done to make children's use of the Internet "positive and safe". It will review existing laws, and bring in the opinions of the entertainment industry and parents.

Dr Byron, a mother of two, said: "The internet is a powerful and positive tool for children in terms of their learning and ongoing development.

"However, we must all enable our children to use the possibility presented by the internet in a way that is both positive and safe.

"Therefore it is essential that parents and anyone involved in the care and development of young people are familiar with the material they will access and view - and of the potential and actual risks therein."

Dr Byron has issued a statement about the independent review. 

An NSPCC survey indicates that over 50% of children have experienced problems such as bullying, threats or sexual harassment online. They are particularly concerned at the popularity of social networking sites such as Bebo or MySpace, which they sayaround 52% of 11-16 year olds use once a day. As interesting is that the survey suggests that almost 60% of children used social networking sites to combat loneliness, ad 53% to share problems. The findings were revelaed as part of the charities campaign 'Don't Hide It'.

The 'Don't Hide It' campaign site has personal stories from children (links to two below). They are harrowing, and show that many childrens' profound negative experiences are NOT related to their use of the Internet. Two examples from the Don't Hide It website. 

DazzyJ

" My Parents wr always drunk leavin me on my own" 

DaniStar94

I was bein sexually abused at home