Blog 8

E-Safety

Children today are using and engaging with the internet in diverse ways and have access to a broad spectrum of material, in which to; communicate, explore interests and to develop learning. However,  young children are equally becoming exposed to and accessing material that poses unsuitable for their age. As (Smith, 2007) asserts; children are going online more often and engaging in activities that pose risky, such as viewing adult content and being exposed to predators and cyber-bullying, as well as other harmful material. In consideration of this, the implementation of internet safety poses significant, and calls for proactive and responsible adults to support and equip children with awareness, understanding and knowledge surrounding the implications of unsafe internet use.

Throughout education, children are supported and encouraged to develop their ICT skills and this includes; the use of the internet in researching topics, finding out information to inform learning, as well as to access a range of educational resources and activities. It is evident that most primary schools have in place a policy regarding e-safety, which explicitly states the key idea; that e-safety is not about restricting children but educating them (Beauchamp, 2012). This is supported by Ofsted (2010:p8), who state that; ‘in best practice, pupils were helped to assess the risk of accessing sites and to gradually acquire skills which would help them adopt safe practice, even when unsupervised’. It is believed that the more equip children are to work out solutions for themselves, through skills, resources and greater resilience, the less adults will need to step in, to guide or restrict online activity (Livingstone, Haddon & Gorzig, 2012).

As the E-safety in initial teacher training (Online) states; teachers must be aware of current legal requirements, national policies and guidance on the safeguarding and well-being of children, to ensure that they are clear about their role, and are confident in promoting e-safety within the classroom. There are many resources available to support teachers in approaching and encouraging e-safety. Specifically, ‘Digizen’ and ‘Think you know’ (Online), provide guidance into the implementation of internet safety, as well as providing resources and activities to explore within the classroom.

Although seen as the significant responsibility of the teacher, (Smith, 2007) argues that educators are not entirely responsible for protecting children from the internet, but in fact the responsibility of parents. This is supported by Livingstone, Haddon & Gorzig (2012) who state that; parents have a role in meeting the needs of their children and should aim to do so alongside schools, to ensure that children have the best guidance and support when engaging safely with the internet. However, it is also believed that the issue of e-safety presents challenges for parents in relation to their inexperience with the internet, and therefore are unsure about how to support their children’s internet use beyond the provision of access. The Byron Review (DCSF, 2008) highlighted that 53% of adults would like more information about the internet, and that 57% of parents do not know where to get information about how to protect their children online. In overcoming such barriers, resources such as Get With It! (Online) provide appropriate guidance and tips specifically for parents, on ways of approaching e-safety and how they can educate and communicate with children in ensuring safe internet use. Acquiring the knowledge to approach the issue of e-safety through such resources, will enable parents to establish and communicate acceptable behaviour in regards to internet access, as well as to monitor internet use accordingly (Roddel, 2008).   

Beauchamp, G. (2012) ICT in the Primary School: From Pedagogy to Practice. Essex: Pearson Education Ltd

Gonzalez, B.  Internet Safety: Tools that can protect your child.

Livingstone, S., Haddon, L. & Gorzig, A. (2012) Children, Risk and safety on the internet: Research and Policy Challenges in Comparative Perspective. Bristol: The Policy Press

Ofsted (2010), The Safe Use of New Technologies, Manchester: Ofsted.

Roddel, V. (2008) The Ultimate Guide to Internet Safety. Morrisville: LULU Press.

Smith, G. (2007) How to protect your child on the internet: A Roadmap for Parents and Teachers. Westport: Greenwood Publishing

DCSF (2008) The Byron Review Action Plan [online] http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20130401151715/https://www.education.gov.uk/publications/eOrderingDownload/Byron_Review_Action_Plan.pdf (accessed 10th March 2014)