Parent Information
Safety & Security
When your child brings a school computer home it is important to note that the responsibility for safety and security cannot fall on the school alone. Parents need to take responsibility to ensure that their child, and the equipment, are not put at unnecessary risk. This means just taking some sensible precautions that your school will advise you of when you join their programme.
The computer that the school will provide will usually include insurance against theft and damage. They will also usually install special software that will help protect your child and the equipment from viruses. However, there is no software that can fully protect your child from opening undesirable websites or from other risks that are becoming more prevalent such as online bullying. Parents are advised to be proactive in monitoring what their child is using the equipment for, and particularly what they are doing on social networking sites like Facebook.
Your broadband service may come with parental controls. If you are unsure, call your service provider.
Useful sources of information
Various organisations provide advice and guidance for parents and carers on using technology safely in the home. A selection is listed here.
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Childnet International provides a range of resources to support schools in sharing e-safety information with parents and carers, including an interactive Know IT All for Parents resource.
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ParentsCentre provides a section on using computers and the internet, which includes a range of resources and tools including information ranging from buying a home PC to searching the internet, and online communities and gaming.
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Get Safe Online includes a ten-minute internet safety guide, and sections on protecting yourself and your family online, and information on children and young people and the internet.
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