Online Safety
We take online safety very seriously. In July 2021, we became a National Online Safety Certified School and have been re-certified as of October 2022.
Parents are able to access the schools membership to the National Online Safety website and can ask school directly for details.
Here are some ways in which we help our children stay safe online:
- School's internet service is heavily filtered by our Internet Service Provider.
- When teaching Computing, our staff include online safety as part of the curriculum.
- Our local PCSO from Cumbria Constabulary comes in to talk to the children about keeping themselves safe and cyber-bullying issues.
- All children are also aware that if they are ever worried about anything they can talk to any adult in school about this.
Cumbria Local Safeguarding Children Board
The Cumbria LSCB is a body that works to ensure children and young people throughout Cumbria are kept safe and have their needs met. Their website is here.
Important Contact Details
- Starting Point (for all safeguarding concerns)
Telephone: 0333 240 1727 - Out of Hours (Children/Young People/Adult Social Care)
If you believe them to be at risk of immediate danger call the Police 999 telephone number. If you believe there is a safeguarding concern which requires a social work response out of hours call the Emergency Duty Team (EDT) on 0333 240 1727. - NSPCC - National Helpline
Telephone: 0808 800 5000 - Childline
Telephone: 0800 11 11
Online Gaming - Guides for Parents
At Dean School, we love computers and computer games. They can be great learning experiences, as well as lots of fun! However, it is important that children are kept safe online. National Online Safety, an organisation dedicated to online safety, has published the following guides. We hope you find these helpful.
'Screen addiction'
It can be challenging for parents and carers to know whether children are spending too much time on their devices. It's even more of a challenge to know whether a child is addicted to social media. Read the guide below for information on what is known as 'screen addiction'.
'Live Streaming'
Live streaming is the term used to describe the broadcast of a real-time video from a mobile device, tablet or games console. Live streaming opens up a world of excitement for children, where they can watch live concerts, celebrities and connect with friends. The 'stream' can go both ways, and there are apps which enable children to broadcast their own live streams. There are many positives to this technology, but there are dangers with it too.
YouTube
YouTube is a video sharing site/app that enables users to upload, view, rate, share and comment on a wide variety of videos.
TikTok
TikTok is a global video community where users create, share and discover 'funny and memorable moments' via short video clips, typically about 15 seconds long. See the leaflet below for some helpful parents' tips.
Minecraft
Minecraft is played by millions of children around the world. Players have the freedom to build their own landscapes and creations. They also have the opportunity to explore other people's creations with their characters, connecting to online servers, which other players can create. If your child is playing Minecraft, there are some tips in the leaflet below to help keep them safe.
Instagram is a photo sharing app that allows users to share images and videos with the world. The app has a live streaming feature and additional add-ons, such as 'Boomerang', 'Hyperlapse' and 'Layout', which can be used to enhance their feed.
Roblox
Roblox is a multi-player online gaming platform which allows children to play and create a variety of 3D games. It also features online payments. There are some tips in the leaflet below for parents whose children are playing this game.
Fortnite: Battle Royale
Fortnite: Battle Royale is a very popular game at the moment. There are some tips in the guide below to help keep children safe if they're playing.
Snapchat
Snapchat is a photo sharing app for mobile phones and tablets.
PUBG
PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds, known as PUBG for short, is an online multiplayer gaming experience, and is one of the most popular games in the world. Click the link below for more information, and tips for parents whose children are playing this game.