E-Safety at home

A parents guide
E-Safety in the home
The benefits of living and working in a connected, digital world far outweigh any risks involved. The Matthew Arnold School has an e-safety policy that is reviewed regularly and this guide is aimed to help you develop e-safe practices in the home. Anti-virus software Every computer in the home should have up to date and robust anti-virus and anti-spyware/malware protection. Your internet service provider may make provision or have a recommendation. The use of freeware anti-virus products is not advised. Wireless networks If you have more than one computer in the home, you may have a wireless network. Sometimes, the wireless router is sold in an unprotected mode. You should ensure that your wireless network is encrypted to WPA2 standards. Again, the supplier of the equipment can help to set this up for you. Some wireless routers come with the encryption already in place. (E.g. BT Homehub) However, the HomeHub has the encryption key on the back of the unit. If placed with its back to a window, it is easily discoverable!

Location, location, location

Placing your home PC in a public area of the house is, perhaps the best possible thing to do. There is nothing inherently wrong in allowing children to have a computer in their rooms, but they should know that you will monitor its use regularly, after all, it is your internet connection they are using and therefore it is your responsibility for any traffic coming over it. Internet Browser If you do have a small home network, you can set permissions for each of your users. This includes setting up rules for what times they can use the internet and at what level. Using Internet Explorer 7 and Windows Vista, for example it is even possible to set the system up so that you get regular usage reports. You will know where they went and when! The Trust relationship The best of all protections is to encourage your child to be totally open with you about their internet use. If they know it is ok to tell if they see something that makes them feel uncomfortable, not only is that a highly responsible thing for them to do, you will also come to trust them with greater internet permissions.

Social Networking Sites. Do you know your Facebook from your Bebo?
New social networking sites are springing up almost daily it seems and young people love them. Unfortunately, there is no such thing as a free lunch, and many of these sites harvest a lot of information about children when they fill in their profiles. In some cases, these profiles can be highly

detailed. Pupils are taught in school that people may not be who they say they are on the internet, but vigilance is still required. Ask your child to show you their Social Networking site(s).

The truth

Although abusive use of the internet is all too common, and cyber-bullying, grooming and attempts to access personal information and bank account details are all 21 st century issues. The truth is that it is not all bad news in cyber-space. Life is a series of choices and we must help our youngsters to make positive ones and to accept responsibility when things go wrong. Children are far more at ease with the internet and mobile technology than we are. We, in effect, are learning to play in their playground. Having regular discussions about e-safety is a good thing. Those who would abuse the system do not like it being brought into the light of day.

The Facts

Your child cannot win a prize in a draw they have not entered, so when a website proudly announces that they have won a laptop for being the 1,000000 visitor it really is too good to be true. No bank will ever ask you to authenticate your account details by email. It is never OK for your child to meet someone they have met online without your knowledge or being accompanied by an adult. The Matthew Arnold School will support the victims of bullying, whether it occurs in school time, real time or through the use of mobile technology. The school teaches e-safety to all its users. There is a scheme of work for e-safety that covers all years. You have a right (some may say a duty) to monitor the use of your internet connection. Access to the internet, both in school and out, is not a right, it is a privilege. Everyone is committed to exploiting the many benefits of the connected digital world and similarly, we are all committed to stamping out abuse wherever it is found. Together, we can make a difference. Further information You may find these sites useful. Child Exploitation Online Protection (CEOP) http://www.ceop.gov.uk/ Think U Know. (A website for anyone interested in enhancing e-safety) http://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/ Childnet (a non-profit organisation working with others to help make the Internet a great and safe place for children) http://www.childnet-int.org The Byron Report (An investigation into online safety for children and young people by Dr Tanya Byron) http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/byronreview/ Parents centre (A government resource for parents who want to know more about e-safety.) http://www.parentscentre.gov.uk/usingcomputersandtheinternet/