The Internet continues to change the way we live and is easier than ever before to access. But using the Internet has risks that we need to manage in order for us to be sensible, respectful and safe online citizens. 

Children and young people are more at risk of exposure to inappropriate or criminal behaviour if they are unaware of the dangers.

These dangers can include:

• Viewing unsuitable content e.g. hate material, adult content, sites that endorse unhealthy behaviour, sites that endorse or encourage extremism
• Giving out personal information
• Arranging to meet an online 'friend'
• Becoming involved in, or the victim of, bullying, identity theft, or making and sending indecent or illegal images
• Spending too much time online which can affect concentration, education, sleep and health
• Copying information from the Internet or buying work from other people to use as their own
• Online gambling in the form of ‘loot boxes’ and other online purchases.

At Kitwell, we want children to be confident and safe users of the Internet and to continue to enjoy and learn from technology as it develops. 

Online safety (or e-safety) refers to child protection and safeguarding of both children and adults in the digital world. It is about learning to understand and use technologies in a safe, positive way. It is also about supporting children and adults to develop safe online behaviours (both in and out of school).

To reduce the possibility of children accessing undesirable materials our service provider, Birmingham Grid for Learning (BGFL), operates a filtering system that restricts access to inappropriate materials.  All of our computers are in public view and access is supervised. 

Throughout the school, children are also taught an e-safety curriculum, which has been informed by the Department for Education’s Education for a Connected World.

It focuses specifically on eight different aspects of online education: 

1. Self-image and Identity
2. Online relationships 
3. Online reputation
4. Online bullying
5. Managing online information
6. Health, wellbeing and lifestyle
7. Privacy and security
8. Copyright and ownership

By equipping children with the right skills early on in life, we can help them to develop a critical awareness of the wonders and dangers that technology can bring and to help them contribute positively to online communities.