Teach Secondary 14.4

The rules of the road Tasha Henstock sets out five ways in which schools can ensure students navigate online spaces safely, both in school and at home W hether young pupils are engaging in social media, playing online games or just browsing websites, safeguarding them against inappropriate content is crucial for preserving their wellbeing in both their online and physical lives. With research showing that nearly half (48%) of British teenagers feel they’re addicted to social media, it’s more important than ever that parents and teachers take proactive steps in guiding children towards healthier online habits. As a qualified designated safeguarding lead andmental health first aider, I’ve worked closely with the Internet Watch Foundation and the Counter Terrorism Intelligence Unit on ensuring that students are able to stay safe and secure in an increasingly digital world. Drawing from those experiences of protecting UK schoolchildren fromaccessing ABOUT THE AUTHOR Tasha Henstock is software product manager at RM Technology harmful content in the classroom, then, here would be my five key tips for helping to keep kids safe online: 1. Prioritise communication Creating an open dialogue with students about their online activities is crucial for ensuring their safety. Encouraging honest discussions around internet usage will help students feel more comfortable about sharing their online experiences, both good and bad. Educators can then gain a more comprehensive understanding of students’ online behaviour and identify any potential risks. Asking open-ended questions – such as ‘ What’s your least favourite website and why? ’ can help to uncover students’ specific digital habits and concerns. 2. Leverage security tools Antivirus software from providers like Norton and TrendMicro will help block access to dangerous websites, preventing personal details from falling into the hands of hackers. The UK’s four main internet providers – BT, Sky, TalkTalk and VirginMedia – all provide their customers with free parental controls that can be activated at any time, complete with useful video guides to help users download and configure the controls they offer. Many school networks also include a URL blocking facility, thus enabling you to erect a comprehensive shield against inappropriate content. The process may vary depending on your network provider, but will typically involve changing router settings to restrict access to certainweb domains. Schools should regularly liaise with their IT administrators to configure these settings in the first instance, and then update themas needed. 3.Managed app access Via the options screen of your preferred mobile platform, students can be prevented from accessing potentially harmful apps. On iOS devices, apps can be locked through Screen Time settings. It’s important to be aware of what apps students are using and how they engage with them. By setting up authentication requirements for app installations on school devices, educators and administrators can control which apps students are able to access, and therefore prevent exposure to potentially harmful content. Exploring the games and apps students use will make it easier to identify potential risks, such as chat functions that might expose students to unknown individuals, while also fostering important conversations around digital literacy and what responsible online behaviour looks like. 4. Establish clear tech usage rules Establishing clear rules and boundaries regarding device usage in classrooms can have a transformative effect on student engagement and digital wellbeing. By specifying when and where devices like tablets or laptops can be used, teachers can encourage more mindful tech usage. Setting expectations around technology will also help students develop healthier long-term digital habits both at school and when at home. Exposure to screen time is something that both students and teachers should carefully consider. iOS devices, for instance, let users set specific screen time limits andmanage the periods when devices can be used. It’s also worth recommending tools like the Amazon Parent Dashboard (see parents.amazon.co.uk ) and the iOS Control Centre to parents, so that they can help further regulate the time their children spend on digital devices at home. 5. Educate on online risks Open up discussions around the dangers of oversharing, the importance of safeguarding personal data and how to recognise online threats. Organisations such as the InternetWatch Foundation (iwf.org.uk ) and the UK Safer Internet Centre (saferinternet.org.uk ) offer a range of helpful and educational resources for schools and educators. Teaching students the importance of not sharing personal data over the internet is fundamental. By discouraging oversharing, and warning themof common ‘traps’ that hackers can use to steal personal information and worse, you can help them broaden their awareness and stay safe online. 59 teachwire.net/secondary E D T E C H