St John and St Francis Church School Westonzoyland Road Bridgwater Somerset TA6 5BP

Headteacher Mrs Lisa Farley, BEd(Oxon) NPQH

Phone 01278 456918 Fax 01278 427220 Email office@stjohnstfrancisbwmat.org

Parent and Child Internet Agreement / Acceptable Use Policy The Internet is a powerful tool that enables users to access and share information and other digital media through a worldwide network of computers. There are now many ways that people can access the Internet, including desktop and laptop computers, iPads and other tablets, Kindles and other eBook readers, “smart” televisions and set-top boxes, xBoxes, Wiis and other games consoles and most modern mobile phones. Many parents will be familiar with many aspects of the Internet, whilst others may not yet have fully embraced the technology, the opportunities it offers and the risks it can present. Many useful things can present hazards if not used appropriately. The Internet is no different. Parents almost instinctively place small, sharp or potentially hazardous items out of the reach of younger children, and then gradually introduce them into children's lives, with a level of supervision that is appropriate to their age. The risks associated with the Internet include:

• Inappropriate content – unlike television and other mainstream media, the Internet is unregulated and some websites have content that is unsuitable for children.

• Inappropriate contact – the Internet enables users to communicate with people all over the world, but many users are anonymous or can be using fabricated identities.

• Viruses, trojans and other so-called “malware” - programmes written by people who hope to exploit or disrupt other Internet users.

• “Phishing” sites and emails – attempts by criminals to gain personal information such as credit card details for their own personal gain.

Use of the Internet is now an essential skill in many walks of life. It is used to research, gather and share information, to shop, to play games, to view videos and to communicate and interact with friends and others. As a key tool of today and the future, both the school and parents need to promote responsible, effective and safe use of the Internet, preparing young people for a world which increasingly relies on the technology for the delivery of communications, knowledge, goods and services and entertainment. It is not the place of a school to dictate how parents control or moderate access to the Internet at home, but in order to help us promote safe use of the Internet in the school, and also to help parents derive an appropriate set of rules for use of the Internet at home, we ask that both parents and pupils sign to accept their understanding and acceptance of the following. These guidelines will need to be moderated and expanded as children age and become increasingly independent, but they have been designed to apply to children at infant school level.

St John and St Francis Church School Westonzoyland Road Bridgwater Somerset TA6 5BP

Headteacher Mrs Lisa Farley, BEd(Oxon) NPQH

Phone 01278 456918 Fax 01278 427220 Email office@stjohnstfrancisbwmat.org

Child The Internet is a great place to learn things, to play, and to talk with my friends and with people all over the world. Some things on the Internet are not really for children, so I have to be careful when I use it. It's a really good idea to have an adult nearby when I'm using the Internet. They can tell me which parts are safe for me to use, and help me find the things I want. Talking to people on the Internet is just like talking to someone in real – life (like in the playground) I must always be careful not to be nasty to anyone and if anyone upsets me, I should tell an adult I trust. When I talk to someone on the internet, other people that I don’t know may be able to read what I am saying. I must be very careful not to say anything that I shouldn’t tell a stranger in real life (like where I live). I understand that if something or someone on the Internet scares me, I should talk to an adult I trust straight away. Signed………………………………………………………. Date: Parent / carer I understand that the Internet provides many opportunities for children, but also that it can present risks if not used appropriately. I will work with the school to promote safe use of the Internet by:

1. Imposing reasonable rules on the use of the Internet at home, either by directly supervising access or by ensuring that inappropriate and/or dangerous content is controlled. (The school can advise how to set up parental controls, if you need help).

2. Helping the school in stressing that speaking with people via the Internet poses the same potential risks as speaking to someone in real life. We need to remain respectful and not give away personal information to anyone that we do not know in real life.

3. Letting my child know that if anything on the Internet scares or worries them, they can always speak to me, a teacher, or any other adult that they know and trust. Also, we cannot be sure who has access to what we say over the Internet.

Signed…………………………………………………. Date: Please Print: ……………………………………………