Safe Online: Our responsibility... ensure young people “stay safe”

Many parents and teachers find keeping up-to-date with children’s use of technology is challenging. Knowing the trends in children’s use of technology and the kind of environment they are immersed in is key to giving them the right advice and guidance in a timely and age-appropriate way. In schools, e-safety relates to many parts of the curriculum, including ICT, citizenship and PHSE. More broadly, however, because technology can be used in any subject area, it is relevant to all teachers. The Byron Report makes clear the issues and the responsibilities of government, schools and others in the protection of children. Importantly, e-safety is a significant aspect of the Every Child Matters agenda. This paper identifies the key issues in e-safety and provides starting points for discussion with children, pupils, students and clients.